Fraud Red Flag
Test-drive identity fraud
Theft of a vehicle during an arranged test drive, using forged photo ID and proof of address to satisfy the seller's checks.
Common pattern on dealer and private sales of higher-value cars: the prospective buyer arrives with what appears to be a valid driving licence and a recent utility bill. After a short test drive they drive away — sometimes with the seller still in the passenger seat dropped at a nearby road, sometimes alone if the seller hands over the keys.
Defences: photograph the buyer's licence and verify it with the DVLA's free 'check driver information' service before the test drive begins; accompany the buyer on the drive; never hand over keys to test the car alone.