Shropshire motoring expert warns classic car buyers are being taken in by AI scammers

Classic car enthusiasts could lose thousands to online AI classic car scams unless they practice caution and engage experts, a Shropshire motoring expert has warned.

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Tim Griffin, Managing Director of Classic Insight Ltd, based in Hughley, near Bridgnorth, said scammers are taking advantage of AI image, video and text generation tools.

“Classic car enthusiasts are likely targets as the market is very lucrative,” he said. “If you wouldn’t take out an investment without advice, don’t spend thousands plus on a classic car without verifying that you’re getting what you are paying for.”

He added: “Make sure the car you want to buy actually exists – even before AI, scammers have tricked people into buying cars that aren’t even real, with stolen or doctored images, then strung them on for ‘import’, ‘customs and tax’ costs to explain why their purchase isn’t arriving. Do not buy a car unless you or a trusted representative has seen it in person. If you feel pressured into paying via bitcoin, or an unfamiliar payment app or website, this is also a red flag.

“Do background research on who you are buying from – do they have records on companies’ house? If they claim to be part of an organisation or business, can that be officially verified? Do things seem to be ‘too good to be true’? AI makes it easier for scammers to set up fake websites and social media profiles by quickly producing images and text to seem legitimate – so scrutinise carefully.”

He added: “But even if the car and seller are real, nether may be what they seem. Engage a reputable and independent expert to assess and ensure what is being advertised is what you are expecting to purchase.

“Engaging a professional takes away the emotion and ensures that any potential purchase is looked at objectively, with the condition and cost of the vehicle and any potential expenditure is weighed up properly.”