Buying or selling a second-hand car in Namibia can be exciting, but it’s also an area where scammers are active. With platforms like NamCars, NamAuto, and Facebook Marketplace making it easy to connect buyers and sellers, it has also become easier for fraudsters to trick people into paying deposits or accepting fake proof of payment. If you’re looking at used cars Namibia, or preparing to sell your bakkie in Windhoek, here’s what you need to know to avoid getting caught out.
Why Vehicle Scams Are Common in Namibia
The second-hand car market in Namibia is thriving. Many buyers prefer used vehicles because new cars are expensive and imports attract high taxes. Online platforms are busy, competition for good deals is high, and buyers often feel pressured to act quickly. That pressure is exactly what scammers exploit. The warning signs are usually there: cars advertised far below market value, sellers insisting on upfront deposits to “hold” the vehicle, or sellers creating urgency by saying there are several other buyers lined up. Once emotions and urgency take over, careful checking is often forgotten.
How Deposit Scams Work
The most common scam starts with an attractive listing: a Hilux, Ranger, or Polo advertised at a price far below normal. The seller creates urgency by saying many buyers are interested and asks for a deposit to reserve the car. As soon as the money is paid, the seller disappears. The phone is switched off, the advert deleted, and the buyer has little recourse.
How to Avoid Deposit Scams
Never pay a deposit before seeing a vehicle in person. If you live far away, arrange for a trusted contact or inspection service to check the car on your behalf. Research the going market rate for the vehicle. If the price is far below average, it is almost always too good to be true. Ask for the seller’s ID and compare it to the registration certificate and licence disc. If the names do not match, walk away. Always meet in safe, public locations such as a NaTIS office or police station where documents can be verified.
The Rise of Fake Proof of Payment
Another scam targets sellers. A buyer agrees to purchase the car and shows proof of an EFT payment via banking app or email. The “proof” looks legitimate, but the money never arrives in the seller’s account. Some fraudsters even use fake apps that mimic the layout of real banks. Once the seller hands over the keys, the car is gone and so is the buyer.
How to Avoid Fake Payment Tricks
Never release a vehicle until funds reflect in your bank account. A pending or screenshot is not proof. Call your bank directly to confirm that money has cleared. Be especially careful of evening or weekend transactions, when interbank transfers may take longer to reflect. If a buyer pressures you to hand over the car before funds clear, it’s a strong warning sign.
Other Common Fraud Tactics
Some scammers impersonate legitimate dealers by using stolen photos, logos, or adverts. Always check the dealer’s official website and call them directly to verify the listing. Another trick is odometer fraud, where a car’s mileage is “clocked” to appear lower than it really is. If a ten-year-old bakkie shows only 40,000 km, be suspicious. Ask for full service records and verify them with the workshop or dealership listed in the book.
Safe Buying Checklist
When buying a used vehicle in Namibia, insist on seeing the original registration certificate and compare the VIN on the document with the car itself. Check that the seller’s ID matches the paperwork. Ask to meet at NaTIS to complete the transfer together; this reduces the risk of stolen or cloned vehicles. If possible, bring along a trusted mechanic or use AA Namibia for a pre-purchase inspection. Do not be rushed. Scammers thrive on urgency, while legitimate sellers will understand your need for checks.
Safe Selling Checklist
As a seller, protect yourself by only meeting in safe locations and preferably during the day. Prepare a sale agreement in writing, signed by both parties, and keep a copy of the buyer’s ID. Do not accept cheques or proof of payment screenshots. Only release the vehicle once funds reflect in your account. Immediately submit the Notice of Sale to NaTIS to avoid being liable for future fines or accidents involving the car. Inform your insurance company as soon as the vehicle changes hands.
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed in Namibia
If you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to a vehicle scam, act quickly. Report the matter to your nearest NAMPOL station and provide as much evidence as possible, including WhatsApp chats, adverts, proof of payment, or bank details used by the scammer. Contact your bank immediately to flag the transaction; in rare cases, they may be able to freeze or trace funds if action is swift. If the scam involved cross-border transactions or vehicle clearance, ask NAMPOL about SARPCCO reporting channels. You can also notify the Bank of Namibia or the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) if the scam was tied to fraudulent finance or insurance activity. Sharing details with NamCars or NamAuto can help them block fraudulent profiles and warn other users.
Why Due Diligence Matters
Vehicle scams in Namibia are not just about money lost. A fraudulent transaction can leave you with a stolen vehicle, legal trouble, or unpaid loans if the car was under finance. Following due process protects both your finances and your legal standing. Namibia has systems in place, from NaTIS verification to NAMPOL clearance, but they only work if buyers and sellers take the time to use them.
Final Thoughts
Buying or selling used cars in Namibia can be smooth and rewarding when approached with caution. The temptation of a “bargain” Hilux in Swakopmund or a cheap Polo in Windhoek should never override careful checks. Avoid paying deposits before seeing a vehicle, do not trust screenshots of payments, and always meet where documents can be verified. By staying alert and acting quickly if something goes wrong, you not only protect yourself but also make the second-hand market safer for everyone.