A warning has been issued about buying cars online.

Gardai in the specialists Stolen Vehicle Unit are currently investigating an incident in which a member of the public became the victim of a crime in the course of attempting to purchase a car over the internet.

Funds were transferred electronically in advance of receiving the car and the car subsequently failed to be delivered.

Similar fraud involves the seller claiming to be in Germany or another European country and wishing to sell their 'right-hand drive' motor vehicle which has Irish number plates.

The seller claims that driving in Europe with a right hand drive is too difficult and hence the vehicle is being sold for considerably less than the current price.

The seller uses existing genuine photographs of high performance vehicles already advertised on the internet by real Irish people.

A spokesman for the Gardai said that the force would like to would remind the public of the need to satisfy themselves as to the bona fides of those offering vehicles for sale.

"People need to be wary of both individuals and organisations purporting to sell items over the internet," he said.

"This is particularly true the first time they are carrying out a transaction with that individual or organization," he explained, noting that extensive crime prevention advice is available on the Garda website.

He said to follow the 'Community' link and then go to 'Crime Prevention' where advice is offered under the headings of 'Car Buyer's Guide' and 'Fraud Prevention'.

See: www.garda.ie

(BMcC)