Car buyers warned after Sydney dealership’s crimes
Directors of a used-car dealership in Sydney have pleaded guilty to charges of misleading customers, sparking fresh warnings.
The New South Wales Government is warning consumers to perform their own checks when buying a car, following fraudulent activities by a Western Sydney dealership.
In late April 2021, Lansvale used-car dealership Narita Imports was found guilty of seven offences relating to misleading its customers, including falsifying Personal Property Security Register check numbers.
The PPSR is a national database which records whether a vehicle has been stolen, written-off in an accident, or if it's currently under finance through a bank.
"The non-existent PPSR check numbers, in particular, are worrying as this check relates to the guarantee from the dealership that the vehicle comes with clear title," NSW Fair Trading Executive Director of Investigations and Enforcement Valerie Griswold said.
"Narita Imports has previously received education and Penalty Infringement Notices. NSW Fair Trading subsequently made the decision to commence prosecution proceedings," Ms Griswold said.
Since COVID-19 restrictions began to be lifted in late 2020, reports show some used-car prices have risen by up to 30 per cent, thanks to pent-up demand from retail buyers.
"All motor dealers must make sure that all of the information in dealer notices is reliable. Buying a car is a significant and costly event in a person’s life and consumers must be able to be confident that they are getting what they are paying for."
NSW Fair Trade wants consumers to check the dealership is a licenced motor vehicle trader by visiting the relevant government website, and to perform their own PPSR check for $2 prior to buying a used car.
To check the national PPSR website, click here.