Anti-Scam

MotorMela Anti-Scam Guide

MotorMela is committed to providing a safe and secure platform for buyers and sellers. However, we encourage users to remain vigilant and follow these safety guidelines to avoid scams or fraud.

1. Avoid Advance Payments

  • Never pay upfront: Do not send money or make any kind of advance payment before seeing the vehicle or verifying the seller. Scammers often ask for deposits to "hold" the vehicle, only to disappear afterward.
  • No third-party payments: Avoid wiring money to third-party accounts, even if they claim to be facilitating the transaction.

2. Meet in Person

  • Meet locally: Always meet the buyer or seller in person to inspect the vehicle before finalizing any deal. Avoid long-distance transactions or dealings with someone who refuses to meet face-to-face.
  • Public locations: Arrange to meet in a safe, public place like a busy marketplace, a police station, or a designated transaction area. Avoid secluded locations for meetings.

3. Verify the Vehicle and Seller

  • Check vehicle documents: Request to see the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), pollution control certificate (PUC), and insurance documents to ensure that the vehicle is legitimate and in the seller's name.
  • Confirm ownership: Verify the seller’s identity by asking for a valid ID card and cross-checking it with the vehicle's registration documents.
  • Vehicle history check: Use services like VAHAN or obtain an RTO report to verify the vehicle's history and confirm it hasn’t been involved in accidents or thefts.

4. Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

  • Suspiciously low prices: Be cautious of vehicles listed at prices much lower than the market rate. Scammers often lure buyers with such offers to extract personal details or advance payments.
  • Fake urgency: Avoid falling for sellers who create a false sense of urgency (e.g., “I need to sell immediately due to relocation”) to rush you into making hasty decisions.

5. Stay on MotorMela’s Platform for Communication

  • Communicate through the platform: Keep all communications within the MotorMela platform where possible. Scammers often try to move the conversation to private messaging apps like WhatsApp or email to avoid monitoring.
  • Beware of unsolicited links: Don’t click on suspicious links sent by a buyer or seller, especially those asking for personal or payment details.

6. Secure Payments

  • Use safe payment methods: Always use secure and verified payment methods such as UPI, bank transfers, or certified cheques. Avoid cash transactions when possible.
  • Avoid escrow services: Be cautious of buyers or sellers insisting on using third-party escrow services, especially those that you haven’t heard of. Scammers sometimes create fake escrow services to trick buyers into sending money.

7. Report Suspicious Activity

  • Use the “Report” button: If you receive suspicious messages or come across fraudulent ads, report them immediately through MotorMela’s "Report" feature.
  • Contact MotorMela support: If you encounter any concerns during the transaction, reach out to our support team for assistance. We investigate all reported cases of suspicious activity.

8. Recognize Common Scam Tactics

  • Fake payment receipts: Some scammers may show fake bank transfer receipts or claim that payment has been made. Always verify that the money has been deposited into your account before handing over the vehicle.
  • Shipping scams: Be cautious if a buyer claims to use a shipping company to pick up the vehicle and asks you to pay for shipping costs upfront.
  • Impersonation of officials: Scammers may pretend to be from the police, RTO, or other authorities to pressure you into making a quick deal. Always verify identities and take time to review documents.

9. Privacy Protection

  • Limit personal details: Do not share unnecessary personal information like your full address, financial details, or copies of ID documents until the transaction is near completion and you’ve verified the other party.
  • Use MotorMela messaging: Avoid sharing your personal phone number or email until you’re confident in the legitimacy of the buyer or seller.

Stay Vigilant

MotorMela is dedicated to maintaining a safe platform, but it's important to take personal precautions during any transaction. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of scams and enjoy a smoother buying or selling experience.

For any concerns, feel free to contact our support team directly.