Buyer wants 11 digit V5C number to carry out an HPI, Dodgy?

[mattb46]

Hi All

As per the thread title, can anyone advise re this please? The buyer has seen the bike, examined all of the paperwork etc (inc V5), has the registration number and the VIN number but now on the night before payment of the balance (£20k+)and collection of the bike, he has stated that he needs the 11 digit V5C number to carry out some kind of detailed HPI check. I have explained that the V5 specifically advises that this number shouldn't be shared. The buyer states that he needs the number to do a check with HPIcheck.com but that doesn't seem to be the case from their own website. This is apparently a deal breaker for the buyer. Advice anyone please?

Thank you

[BlackG7R]

I'm no expert, but my feeling is that I would let him pull out, and find another buyer.

[Luke.]

You don't need it for an HPI check. Just the reg number. Dodgy fkcer.

[shurm]

With that he could change ownership !!

[itcaptainslow]

The HPI website does ask for the last V5 number to guarantee their check.

[SmithCorona]

itcaptainslow said:

The HPI website does ask for the last V5 number to guarantee their check.

Exactly this. It's likely the buyer is doing due diligence properly. And for that you need the V5 number to take advantage of HPIs guarantee.

I would ask the same, and it would be a red line for me as a buyer if the transaction was private/SOR.

[mattb46]

Thanks for the replies. I can see what you mean re the HPI check guarantee.

[trickywoo]

I’ve shared that before for the same reason.

For a big money deal I think it’s furry muff.

[GreaseNipple]

Yeah I've pulled out of a purchase because the seller wouldn't tell me it

[bgunn]

For 20+k, I'd definitely want to do all my due diligence as a buyer, and yeah the full HPI check involves the V5 serial number and issue date.

[_Neal_]

trickywoo said:

I’ve shared that before for the same reason.

For a big money deal I think it’s furry muff.

Agreed - if they are a genuine buyer I'd give it. Presumably you have his name and details in the unlikely event he does anything silly anyway.

[TTmonkey]

He can do the hPi check when he comes to pick up the vehicle, online. All he needs is a smart phone.

Then he can transfer the balance.

None of it needs to be done in advance.

[mattb46]

Thanks everyone. Just to update if its helpful, the V5 information that HPI check requires in order to offer an additional "financial guarantee" is not the 11 digit number (top right of front page of V5) but the reference on the top left of the V5 front page.

[poo at Paul's]

Luke. said:

You don't need it for an HPI check. Just the reg number. Dodgy fkcer.

You do for the full guaranteed HPI check, its completely normal to ask and provide it.

[poo at Paul's]

mattb46 said:

Thanks everyone. Just to update if its helpful, the V5 information that HPI check requires in order to offer an additional "financial guarantee" is not the 11 digit number (top right of front page of V5) but the reference on the top left of the V5 front page.

on my V5, the serial number of the V5 is on the right about 3 inches down.

[scorcher]

If it’s passed the basic HPI check I’d just agree to buy it on the proviso it was fully clear when I completed the HPI on collecting it. You don’t need to do it all in one go.

[bgunn]

You do need the extra details before the sale has completed to get the fraud guard guarantee. Says so in the hpi check.

[bgunn]

poo at Paul's said:

on my V5, the serial number of the V5 is on the right about 3 inches down.

How old is the v5? It’s changed design a few times (2004-2010, then 2010 - 2019) and is currently top left of the front page. It was on the top right on older documents..

[Caddyshack]

Other than trying to change the reg'd keeper I cannot see what sharing the ref number could do?


Maybe call HPI and discuss it with them

[Rushjob]

TTmonkey said:

He can do the hPi check when he comes to pick up the vehicle, online. All he needs is a smart phone.

Then he can transfer the balance.

None of it needs to be done in advance.

This.

The buyer does it in front of you, gets the result and sends the money.

That way everyone is protected as far as possible, both seller and buyer.