Importing a car directly from Japan is an excellent way to get a high-quality, low-mileage vehicle at a fair price—but it also comes with risks. With the rise in demand for imported cars across Africa, scammers are increasingly targeting first-time buyers through fake websites, forged documents, and too-good-to-be-true deals.
This guide will show you how to avoid Car Import Scams when buying used cars online from Japan and make your import experience safe, secure, and stress-free.
Common Types of Online Car Import Scams
Understanding how Car Import Scams work is the first step to avoiding them.
1. Fake Exporter Websites
Scammers build websites that look like real Japanese car exporters, complete with vehicle listings, logos, and contact forms—but they’re fake.
2. Auction Sheet Forgery
A common scam is to edit or forge Japanese auction sheets to make accident-damaged cars appear clean and low-mileage.
3. Non-Existent Cars
You pay for a vehicle, but the car never existed. The scammer disappears after receiving your funds.
4. Payment to Personal Accounts
Scammers ask you to send money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or to an individual’s bank account—making it impossible to trace or recover your payment.
5. “Bait and Switch” Offers
You buy a listed car, but when it arrives, it’s a different unit—or in far worse condition than shown online.
Early Warning Signs of a Scam
Here are red flags that should make you pause immediately:
- Prices that are drastically below market average
- No physical address or company registration details
- Pressure to pay quickly or “limited time offer” tactics
- Poor website quality, broken links, or stock photos
- Payment methods that are untraceable (e.g., cryptocurrency, personal Western Union transfers)
How to Verify a Japanese Car Exporter Online
Follow these steps to check whether a seller is genuine:
1. Check JUMVEA Membership
The Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA) is Japan’s official body for registered used car exporters. Visit https://jumvea.or.jp and search the company name.
Only registered members can legally export vehicles and are bound by a code of conduct.
2. Request the Exporter’s Company Registration
Ask for:
- Company name in English and Japanese
- Registration certificate
- Office landline
- Company bank details
A reputable exporter won’t hesitate to share this.
3. Use WHOIS to Check Website Domain Age
Use https://whois.domaintools.com to check:
- When the website was registered
- Who owns it
- If contact emails match the website domain
Newly registered domains or anonymous ownership are red flags.
4. Ask for Real Photos and Video Walkarounds
Scammers use stolen photos. A real exporter can take real-time photos of the vehicle or show it via video call.
Ask to see:
- VIN/chassis number
- Engine bay
- Auction sheet (with translator help if needed)
5. Confirm JEVIC Inspection Certificate
Kenya and many African countries require a JEVIC certificate for pre-shipment inspection. Visit https://www.jevic.com to verify your car’s inspection.
6. Google Reviews and Social Proof
Search for the company name + “scam”, check YouTube reviews, and scan their social media pages for real customer deliveries and interaction.
Only use secure and traceable payment channels when buying a car online.
Recommended Payment Options:
- Bank Telegraphic Transfer (TT) to a registered company account
- Letter of Credit (LC) via your bank
- Escrow Services (some platforms offer this for high-value purchases)
🚫 Avoid: Payments via Western Union, personal bank accounts, cryptocurrency, or mobile money wallets.
Recommended Platforms for Buying Used Cars Online from Japan
These exporters and platforms are widely used and recognized in Kenya and Africa:
| Platform | Strengths | Website |
|---|---|---|
| BeForward | Trusted, large inventory, consistent documentation | beforward.jp |
| Enhance Auto | Clear history reports, trusted in Kenya | enhance-auto.jp |
| SBT Japan | Fast shipping, customer service teams in Africa | sbtjapan.com |
| CarsKenya Imports | Auction access, verified inspection, delivery & warranty | carskenya.co.ke |
CarsKenya also handles the full end-to-end importation process, working only with certified Japanese exporters and helping you avoid the hassle and risk.
Why Work with a Local Import Agent Like CarsKenya
A trusted local agent can eliminate most of the risk associated with online car buying:
- ✅ We verify and interpret auction sheets
- ✅ Handle JEVIC inspection and compliance
- ✅ Offer optional import financing via Autochek
- ✅ Manage clearing, NTSA registration, and delivery
- ✅ Offer hybrid battery warranties (1+1 years on Toyota hybrids)
📞 Call or WhatsApp us: +254 713 147 136
📍 Visit our office: Bishop Magua Building, Ngong Road, Nairobi
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve already paid and suspect fraud:
1. Report to Your Bank Immediately
If the funds haven’t cleared, your bank may be able to reverse the transaction.
2. Contact the Japanese Embassy or JUMVEA
Provide all communication, payment receipts, and company details.
3. File a Police Report and Contact the DCI
Especially if you sent money from a Kenyan bank account.
4. Warn Others
Post on Facebook groups, X (Twitter), or car forums to prevent others from falling for the same scam.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Buy Smart
Buying a car online from Japan is not a gamble—if you follow the right steps. With access to high-quality vehicles and reputable exporters, you can save money and get more value than buying locally and avoid Car Import Scams.
But never skip verification. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
For a worry-free experience, trust CarsKenya to help you:
- Find your ideal car
- Work with certified exporters
- Handle paperwork, inspection, and delivery
- Access financing and after-sale support
