Avoid Getting Scammed! How to Avoid Fake Car Parts

They're cheap--and they're quite easy to get. Yes, it's so tempting to buy fake car parts these days. And if you're not careful, you might end up with more problems than what you've bargained for.

So before you even think of doing a couple of detours to "fake road", make sure to keep these things in mind so you won't have any (big) regrets in the end.

Only buy from authorized retailers and dealers.

This is important. Buying from those who are really authorized to sell them can assure you that what they're selling is authentic. But before you decide to buy from them, ask for proof (like certificates involving registration, permit to sell and operate) that they are indeed authorized dealers or retailers.

DON'T trust online pictures.

It's so easy to download photos online--all you do is right click it and upload it as one of your own and voila--you now have your own ad to sell on the internet. And also, it's easy to modify an image to make them look "legit". All it takes is Photoshop and you're in business.

So really, you can't test an image's authenticity by relying on the buyer's word alone. So be smart: ask for more details, like serial or model numbers that you can check further.

Ask for documentation face-to-face.

If the buyer can't provide serial or model numbers, then it's best to ask them for documents to support their product's authenticity. Still, we'd like to warn you that they can easily be faked online, so make sure they show it to you personally  (face-to-face).

Read reviews online (and offline)

There are some reviews that aren't legit--but if you can, find those that show customer feedback and comments. This can give you an overview of what's really in store when you buy from the seller.

If you can, try to ask others as well. The more feedback you get, the better your chances of making a more informed decision (and avoid making those nasty mistakes you'll regret later on).

Look for careless or deceptive packaging.

Most authentic sellers take great pride in their products--and that includes packaging. If you see rips, tears, holes, awkward seals, "out-of-place" designs, and other "off" things that shouldn't be there in the first place, then suspect something's wrong.

Ask for warranties or return policies.

This is important. It's actually a mild deterrent for sellers to sell fake car parts, since they know you can ask for your money back if you're not satisfied with what they sold you.

Don't be impressed with discounts.

There are discounts of the real deal; and there are those that are pure baloney.

Some are even set so low that it really makes sense to sell them in the first place. Sellers need to make some profit one way or another, and if they're willing to let it slide just to dispose of an item, then something's wrong.

So really, trust your judgment here: those too-good-to-be-true discounts are just that: too good to be true.