Warning bids to put brakes on car scam

AN INTERNET car sales scam which has caught out two Lothians residents has led to a warning from trading standards officers.

West Lothian Council's trading standards officers issued details about the online scam after complaints from two local people who had been duped.

The con involves a car advertised online at well below the market price.

No viewings are available, but pictures are supplied, and prospective buyers are told to wire the money to a bogus "trusted third party".

The council officers would not reveal how much the local residents had lost.

However, Ed Machin, principal trading standards officer, said: "If you find a car you would like to buy, take steps to protect yourself. Make certain that you know exactly who you are dealing with.

"If the price looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

"I would strongly advise that you go and see the car in person, in daylight if possible, before placing a deposit or buying the car."