FINE PRINT
Wheeler Dealers’ host Mike Brewer sends urgent warning to drivers over deal that’s ‘too good to be true’
Mike Brewer reveals shocking details of his own car scam experience
WHEELER Dealers' host Mike Brewer has issued an important warning to drivers hoping to snap up a bargain second-hand motor in 2025.
The TV presenter is urging caution after a sharp rise in fraudulent online deals that often appear to be "too good to be true."
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Brewer warns that buyers could easily be caught out by vehicles listed at unusually low prices, especially on social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace as well as other "unscrupulous" websites.
"If it looks too good to be true, it probably is," Mike advises.
He stresses that car deals offered at much lower prices than their typical value are often scams - which could leave buyers with empty pockets.
Mike's warning comes after a personal experience with an online scam last year.
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He revealed how a Volkswagen Golf GTD he sold was fraudulently purchased using fake ID and stolen bank card details.
The car, originally priced at £10,500, had been listed online for just £7,500.
The deal seemed like a bargain, but it quickly became clear that it was a scam - with the buyer using fraudulent information
The situation escalated as the scammer then tried to sell the car to someone else, likely attempting to pocket the difference.
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Luckily, the vehicle was tracked down by police and returned to Mike’s One Automotive base.
Mike shared his experience in a YouTube video where he detailed how the fraudulent buyer used stolen identity and bank card information to purchase a car from him over the phone.
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Despite running various checks on the buyer's personal details, it was later discovered that the transaction had been disputed, revealing the scam.
This comes as Mike recently talked up the stylish Honda S2000 as a brilliant set of wheels that can be picked up at a bargain price.
Recently responding to a question on which sports car he would most recommend, the TV star revealed that he loves the Honda S2000.
Mike said: “For me, it would have to be a Honda S2000.
“I loved the one we had on Wheeler Dealers, and with that VTEC engine it’s a cracking sports car."
How to protect yourself from scams
BY keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid getting caught up in a scam:
- Firstly, remember that if something seems too good to be true, it normally is.
- Check brands are "verified" on Facebook and Twitter pages - this means the company will have a blue tick on its profile.
- Look for grammatical and spelling errors; fraudsters are notoriously bad at writing proper English. If you receive a message from a “friend” informing you of a freebie, consider whether it’s written in your friend’s normal style.
- If you’re invited to click on a URL, hover over the link to see the address it will take you to – does it look genuine?
- To be on the really safe side, don’t click on unsolicited links in messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted contact.
- Be careful when opening email attachments too. Fraudsters are increasingly attaching files, usually PDFs or spreadsheets, which contain dangerous malware.
- If you receive a suspicious message then report it to the company, block the sender and delete it.
- If you think you've fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its .
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