🔍 How to Avoid Car Import Scams in Kenya: Red Flags and Verified Dealers

The dream of owning a sleek imported car from Japan, the UK, or Dubai has led many Kenyans to take a leap of faith—and sadly, some fall straight into the hands of scammers.

From fake dealers to ghost clearing agents and “too-good-to-be-true” auction prices, import scams have become increasingly sophisticated. This article will help you protect yourself, your money, and your car.

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🚨 Why Car Import Scams Are on the Rise in Kenya

Car importation is a multi-billion shilling industry, and where there’s big money, there are con artists. Here’s why scams are flourishing:

• Most imports are done online—buyers never meet the seller.

• Social media pages can be set up in minutes and look professional.

• Many buyers are first-timers and don’t know what to expect.

• The process involves multiple parties: seller, shipper, clearing agent, NTSA—which opens doors to impersonation.

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🕵️‍♂️ Common Car Import Scams to Watch Out For

1. 📷 “Clone Dealers” With Stolen Photos

Scammers copy images from genuine websites and repost them as their own inventory. They'll claim:

“Car is ready to ship, just send a deposit of KES 300,000.”

After payment—they vanish.

🛑 Red Flag: The page has no reviews, no location, and insists on “WhatsApp only” communication.

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2. 💸 Deposit Without Documents

Another trick is to ask for a deposit “to secure the unit” without giving:

• Proforma invoice

• Export certificate

• Auction sheet

• Chassis verification

Once paid, they’ll delay, avoid calls, or give fake shipping updates.

🛑 Red Flag: They refuse to share official documents until full payment is made.

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3. 🌐 Fake Auction Websites

Some con artists create fake Japanese auction websites with random cars and unrealistic prices. Once you "win" a bid, they ask for full payment.

🛑 Red Flag: No actual company info, broken English, only accepts crypto or bank transfer.

✅ Use verified auction platforms like:

• BE FORWARD

• SBT Japan

• IBC Japan

• Autocom Japan

• PicknBuy24

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4. 🤥 Disguised Salvage or Accident Cars

Unethical importers sell accident cars with falsified auction grades (e.g., changing R grade to 4.5).

They rely on your lack of knowledge about auction sheet interpretation.

🛑 Red Flag: They refuse to send original Japanese auction sheet or only share a blurry copy.

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5. 👤 Ghost Clearing Agents

Some scammers pose as licensed clearing agents. Once you send clearing fees, they stop responding—or worse, release your car using forged logbooks.

🛑 Red Flag: They don’t have an office, or only deal via Telegram/WhatsApp.

✅ Ask for KRA and KIFWA registration.

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6. 🧾 Inflated KRA Duty After Arrival

Some unethical agents underquote duty initially to get your business—then inflate the figure once the car lands.

They’ll say:

“KRA changed the CRSP… you need to pay KES 150,000 more.”

🛑 Red Flag: Duty increases dramatically after arrival, with no updated KRA documentation.

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✅ How to Protect Yourself When Importing

✔️ Always Request a Proforma Invoice

Before paying anything, get a formal proforma invoice showing:

• Vehicle details (make, model, chassis, year)

• CIF cost (Cost + Insurance + Freight)

• Payment instructions

• Company details (physical address, website, phone)

✔️ Verify Dealer Background

Do a quick background check:

• Google their name + “scam” or “review”

• Ask for references from previous clients

• Confirm if they are listed on known auction platforms

✅ Trusted dealer signals:

• Registered company with verifiable address

• Landline or office number

• Website with client testimonials

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✔️ Check the Chassis Number

Use tools like:

• Japan Partner or BE FORWARD ID Check

• Auction Sheet Verification Services
  (e.g. carvx.jp, jpcenter.ru)

If a seller refuses to give you a chassis number—run!

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✔️ Never Pay All Upfront

Use safe payment milestones:

1. 50% deposit after invoice and inspection report

2. 50% after shipping confirmation (with BL – Bill of Lading)

For clearing, pay the clearing agent only when car arrives and is confirmed cleared via Simba.

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✔️ Work with a Licensed Clearing Agent

Ask for their:

• KRA PIN and KIFWA license

• Office address

• Reference from recent clients

You can also cross-check with Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association (KIFWA).

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✔️ Use Trusted Platforms

Some reliable paths to import include:

• Code & Clutch import concierge service

• Official dealer partners (BE FORWARD, Autocom, PicknBuy)

• Bank-assisted import plans (e.g. Asset Financing)

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🔒 Extra Safety Measures for Peace of Mind

✅ Use Escrow Services

Some platforms offer escrow so funds are only released when the car ships or lands.

✅ Sign an Import Agreement

If you're dealing with a local agent or dealer, insist on a formal signed agreement with refund clauses.

✅ Track Your Shipment

Use container or chassis number to track shipping via websites like:

• marinetraffic.com

• vesselfinder.com

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📸 Suggested Images for This Article

1. Fake car dealer warning poster

2. Side-by-side of real vs fake auction sheet

3. Screenshot of fake auction site vs real one

4. Sample proforma invoice from BE FORWARD

5. Illustration: Scam alert signs (blurry docs, no office, sudden price hikes)

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🧠 Final Thoughts: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…

…It probably is.
In Kenya’s booming import market, knowledge is your strongest armor.

At Code & Clutch, we guide you not just to save money—but to avoid losing it altogether. Importing a car should be a joyful experience—not a horror story.