What consumer rights do I have when buying a used car in the UK?

Under the Consumer Rights Act, used cars must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. You have rights if these conditions are not met.

How much does wardrobing cost UK retailers?

Wardrobing fraud costs UK retailers approximately £1.3 billion every year, with a significant spike during the holiday season.

Are HMRC scam text messages increasing?

Yes, scam text messages impersonating HMRC and other organizations have seen an 800% increase this year, with 100 million reported to mobile networks.

Home / Business and Economy / Used Car Rip-offs: When Buyers Lose Out

Used Car Rip-offs: When Buyers Lose Out

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Second-hand car sales exceed six million annually in the UK.
Wardrobing fraud costs UK retailers approximately £1.3 billion yearly.
Scam texts rose 800% this year, with millions reported to networks.

Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle offers significant savings but carries the risk of unexpected breakdowns shortly after purchase. Despite consumer protections under the Consumer Rights Act, some dealers may attempt to circumvent these laws, leaving buyers vulnerable. One father's daughter, after saving £4000, experienced her car failing on its first long journey.

Retailers in the UK are facing substantial losses due to a form of return-fraud known as 'wardrobing.' This practice, where items are bought, worn, and then returned, costs the industry around £1.3 billion each year. The problem intensifies between November and January, with a 33% increase in wardrobing cases as people prepare for festive events.

Furthermore, scam text messages, often mimicking official communications from entities like HMRC, are a growing concern. Ofcom reports that 100 million such messages were reported this year, an 800% increase since 2023. The sophistication of these scams is escalating, with perpetrators frequently based abroad. One individual was recently sentenced for his role in sending 15,000 scam texts from a portable device.