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Personal identity verification
I'm trying to buy a used car from an individual here in Belgium. I'm trying to avoid being scammed, so I want to verify the identity of the seller. If I have him electronically send me a scan or photo of his protocol ID, is there some way I can verify that it's a valid ID and not a fake or photoshopped? Also, how safe is it to deposit money into his EU bank account? Can I verify with the bank that the account is in his name? Thanks for any advice!
If you really are that worried, don't buy the car. Go to a dealer and get one there.
Alternatively, get a certified check from your bank and take that with you, hand it over to the seller when you have physical custody of the car and the registration papers.
See https://www.car-pass.be/en/buy and note that it offers online verification of authenticity. A private seller is also obliged to have a special controle technique done on the car which produces the documentation required for you to register the car in your name - this special CT is valid only for three months.
Look at his ID card - take a photo of both sides.
Ask you bank about how to make a secure payment.
Usually, the bank will write you a cheque that you hand over in exchange for the car.
> verifying ID and bank account ownership
>> Ask you bank
Geez - some people are thick.
Your bank will explain how to go about the transaction without you being defrauded.