Safety Guidelines

Always verify the identity of the seller before engaging in any negotiation or payment.

• Cross-check the seller's name against vehicle ownership documents (CR Book / Revenue Licence).
• Be cautious of sellers who refuse to share identification or avoid video calls.
• Look for verified badges on AutoPaddle profiles to ensure you're dealing with a trusted seller or dealer.

Never commit to a purchase without a thorough in-person inspection.

• Inspect the vehicle at a safe, public, well-lit location.
• Bring a trusted mechanic or technically knowledgeable person to evaluate the condition.
• Check the chassis number (VIN), engine number, and CR Book to confirm they match.
• Request a pre-purchase inspection at a registered garage if in doubt.
• Do not accept photos or videos as a substitute for a physical inspection.

Protect yourself by following safe payment practices at every stage of the transaction.

• Never make advance payments or deposits without a signed agreement in hand.
• Avoid cash transfers to unknown accounts; prefer traceable bank transactions.
• Do not share OTPs, PINs, card numbers, or online banking credentials with anyone — including individuals claiming to be from AutoPaddle.
• Obtain a proper receipt or acknowledgement for any amount paid.
• Consider involving a legal professional for high-value transactions.

Fraudsters often use common patterns. Learn to identify them before it is too late.

• Too-good-to-be-true pricing: Listings priced significantly below market value are a common red flag.
• Urgency pressure: Sellers who demand immediate payment or claim another buyer is waiting.
• Remote-only deals: Sellers who refuse to meet in person or insist on shipping the vehicle before payment.
• Impersonation: Individuals posing as AutoPaddle staff, banks, or courier services to extract payments or credentials.
• Fake escrow or delivery services: AutoPaddle does not operate any delivery, escrow, or logistics service. Any such claim is fraudulent.

• AutoPaddle is a listing platform only. We do not buy, sell, hold funds, or facilitate deliveries on behalf of any party.
• AutoPaddle will never initiate contact with you via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media to request payments or personal information.
• AutoPaddle does not guarantee the accuracy of any listing. All buyers are responsible for independent due diligence.
• Suspicious listings can be reported directly from the listing page using the "Report" feature.

If you encounter a suspicious listing or believe you have been targeted by a scam:

• Use the Report button on the listing page to flag it for our moderation team.
• Contact your bank immediately if any financial details have been compromised.
• File a complaint with the Sri Lanka Police Cyber Crimes Division if you have suffered financial loss.
• Preserve all communication records (screenshots, messages, call logs) as evidence.