Types of Scams that occurred and may occur again in the future.
Case1 : Buyer from Kenya
Purchased: Toyota IST
Price: CIF USD 4,350
I bought a Toyota IST in August from TCV.
I asked the seller to take JEVIC inspection before the shipment.But when I received documents and the car, there was no JEVIC inspection certificate. I had to pay a penalty fee of USD 400 to local authority to clear the car from the port.
I immediately reported the problem to TCV customer support, and eventually succeeded in receiving the USD 400 from the seller.
IF I PAID DIRECTLY TO THE SELLER
There was high possibility that I had to bear myself the penalty fee of USD 400.
Plus, I might have to pay storage charge at Mombasa port if I couldn’t pay the USD 400 soon.
Case2 : Buyer from Uganda
Purchased: Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter
Price: CIF USD 13,038
I bought a Mitsubishi Fuso in April from TCV.
Money was confirmed in the 1st week of April, but the car wasn't shipped for more than 2 months, The reason why the car was not shipped was because the car had to be repaired. So I asked the seller for the refund, but the seller kept suggesting me a new vehicle.
I reported the matter to TCV customer support. Since the money was secure with TCV, whole money was refunded from them.
IF I PAID DIRECTLY TO THE SELLER
Money was kept by the seller and I never could get USD 13,038 refund.
Case3 : Buyer from Zambia
Purchased: Honda Odyssey
Price: CIF USD 3,167
I bought a Honda Odyssey in May from TCV. After my payment was confirmed on TCV, the seller suddenly stopped replying my messages. I couldn't know my car's status for weeks. So I contacted to TCV customer support. They helped me in having communication with the seller and I safely received the car in the end. It's good to have the support on Japan side to have smooth contact with the seller.
IF I PAID DIRECTLY TO THE SELLER
I couldn’t know my car nor my money’s whereabouts and was in a total disaster.