
In Conversation With Malcom Cavie- Founder of View 4 You
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The second-hand car market in South Africa is large and active, offering many buyers a chance to own vehicles at affordable prices. But this booming market also attracts criminal syndicates, sophisticated scams, and dangerous pitfalls for unwary purchasers.
One of the most common risks is vehicle cloning — where stolen or illegally imported vehicles are given the identity of a legitimate car by copying registration details, VIN numbers, and paperwork from a lawful vehicle. The unsuspecting buyer, thinking they’ve bought a legitimate car, later discovers that the vehicle is stolen or fraudulent. In such cases, law enforcement can seize the car and the buyer loses both vehicle and money.
One of the most common risks is vehicle cloning — where stolen or illegally imported vehicles are given the identity of a legitimate car by copying registration details, VIN numbers, and paperwork from a lawful vehicle. The unsuspecting buyer, thinking they’ve bought a legitimate car, later discovers that the vehicle is stolen or fraudulent. In such cases, law enforcement can seize the car and the buyer loses both vehicle and money.

