FIVE TIPS: How to avoid UK used truck scammers
UNITED KINGDOM: Tanzania’s High Commission in the United Kingdom has issued an alert, warning local transporters to take necessary precautions after receiving complaints that some of them haven’t received the used trucks they purchased from the UK, despite making payments over the past six months.
The information shared by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Mbelwa Kairuki, on Saturday revealed that other traders who received their vehicles, after making payments to the dealers, claimed that the trucks were of lower quality than agreed upon.
“This situation has caused significant inconvenience and losses for the businesspeople who sent their money. Many have taken out bank loans and now find themselves having to repay debts while their vehicles have not arrived at home to start their operations,” the envoy said in his statement.
The United Kingdom is one of the places where many of Tanzania’s cargo transporters prefer to purchase used trucks because the vehicles are right-hand drive, affordable, and known for their quality and durability.
The following are five tips to avoid scammers.
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1. Ensuring the Company You Are Dealing With Is Registered in the UK (and Is Active). This verification can be done through the UK government’s website at no cost: UK Government Company Information.
2. Entering Into a Purchase Contract With the Company Selling the Truck. There are Tanzanians in the diaspora with law firms in the UK who can provide contract preparation services and, if any challenges arise, can easily follow up since they are on the ground.
3. Making Payments Using a Letter of Credit (LoC) Instead of Sending Cash Directly to the Company Via Telegraphic Transfer (TT). This method is more suitable when the payment amount is substantial. The LoC payment method helps protect you when the seller breaches the agreement, as the bank will not release the funds. It’s true that LoC payments have a small additional cost, but the benefits are substantial because your money is safe. Information about the LoC payment method can be obtained from any bank in the country.
4. Conducting a Background Check on the Truck You Intend to Purchase Before Making Payments. To facilitate the check, it is advisable to obtain the Registration Number of the vehicle as registered in the UK and then visit the UK government website, which provides a system for the complete history of the vehicle—whether it has been in an accident, how many times it has been inspected, etc. The website is: Check MOT History.
5. Conducting a Pre-Shipment Inspection to Ensure That What Is Being Shipped Matches Your Agreement With the Buyer.
Tanzania’s High Commission in the UK is optimistic that the outlined five measures mentioned above will help those intending to purchase trucks avoid such challenges and the inconvenience of following up from a distance.
