How to Avoid Scams When Buying a Car from China
Importing from China saves money — which is exactly why it attracts fraud. Most losses come not from a "bad car" but from scams at the deal stage. Here are 7 red flags and how to protect yourself.
1. They ask for prepayment to a personal card
The most common scheme. A "seller from the chat" asks you to wire a deposit to a personal card — and vanishes. Protection: pay only a verified exporter under a contract that fixes the price, VIN and trim.
2. No physical inspection
If nobody has seen the car in person (you're shown only internet photos), that's a risk. Protection: a real condition check, photos/video of the specific car with your VIN; for used cars, a mileage and accident report.
3. Rolled-back odometer (used cars)
China's used market is no exception. Protection: service history and an independent inspection; a new car has minimal mileage by definition.
4. Swapped trim
You agree on the top version, the base one arrives — smaller screens, no assistance. Protection: the contract specifies the exact trim and a VIN to verify it.
5. "Grey" clearance and under-declared value
You're promised "cheap clearance" by understating the customs value. That risks back-charges, fines and registration problems. Protection: a transparent, by-the-law calculation — see how charges work in the customs guide and the calculator.
6. Hidden logistics cost
A "to the border" price instead of "to Tashkent": shipping, insurance and storage surface at the end. Protection: a fixed turn-key price with a clear breakdown.
7. Too good a price
If an offer is noticeably below market, there's almost always a catch (damaged car, wrong trim, document problems). Protection: compare with real prices in the catalog.
How to buy safely
The core principle is a contract and transparency at every step. Tez Motors handles the full cycle: inspection, payment to a verified supplier, shipping, lawful clearance and registration at a fixed price. The full process is in our guide on how to import a car from China.
