ISLAMABAD: Car buyers in Pakistan have been advised to verify dealership authorisation, payment details and booking documents before purchasing a new vehicle, as fraudulent bookings and unauthorised transactions can expose customers to substantial financial losses.
The warning follows concerns over unofficial dealerships and third-party booking arrangements. In July 2026, Jetour Pakistan cautioned customers against making payments through unauthorised dealers or unofficial bank accounts.
Automotive industry guidance highlights seven important precautions buyers should take before transferring money for a new vehicle.
1. Verify the dealership before booking
Buyers should confirm that the showroom is an authorised sales dealership through the vehicle manufacturer’s official website or customer service department.
A showroom’s presence on Google Maps, Facebook or other online platforms does not necessarily establish its authorisation to accept new vehicle bookings.
Customers should independently verify dealerships, particularly when approached by sales representatives through WhatsApp or social media.
2. Pay only through approved banking channels
Payments should be made strictly according to the manufacturer’s official booking instructions.
Before transferring funds, buyers must verify the beneficiary’s account title, payment method and booking reference.
Payments to personal bank accounts, mobile wallets or unofficial payment channels should be avoided unless specifically authorised by the manufacturer.
A successful bank transfer confirms that money was sent, but does not establish that the vehicle manufacturer has accepted the booking.
3. Examine the booking agreement
Customers should carefully review the Provisional Booking Order (PBO) or equivalent agreement before signing.
The document should clearly mention the buyer’s name, vehicle model, variant, colour, booking amount, remaining payment, expected delivery period and cancellation conditions.
Any promises regarding fixed prices, early delivery or complimentary accessories should be documented rather than accepted verbally.
4. Confirm the booking with the manufacturer
After making payment, buyers should independently verify that their booking has been recorded in the manufacturer’s official system.
Some automakers provide online facilities for checking vehicle delivery or invoicing status.
Where online tracking is unavailable, customers should contact the company’s official customer support department to confirm their booking reference and payment details.
Booking agreements, receipts and official correspondence should be retained for future reference.
5. Be cautious about ‘own money’ deals
In Pakistan, some dealers and investors demand additional premiums, commonly known as own money, for immediate vehicle delivery.
Although such transactions are not necessarily fraudulent, buyers should verify the original invoice, chassis number, ownership documents and applicable transfer charges.
Customers should also determine whether they are purchasing a newly booked vehicle or buying one already invoiced in another person’s name.
Undocumented premiums and verbal promises of future ownership transfers can create financial and legal complications.
6. Understand price changes and delivery conditions
Vehicle prices may change between booking and delivery, making it essential to understand the manufacturer’s pricing policy.
Some booking arrangements offer price protection under specific written conditions, while others require customers to pay the prevailing price at delivery.
Buyers should not assume that full advance payment automatically guarantees a fixed price.
They should also review refund conditions, delivery deadlines and possible additional taxes before completing the transaction.
If delivery is delayed or additional payment is demanded, customers should request written clarification from the manufacturer.
7. Report suspicious transactions immediately
Customers who suspect fraudulent bookings should immediately contact their bank through its official helpline and request assistance regarding the transaction.
They should also inform the vehicle manufacturer and preserve payment receipts, booking agreements, advertisements and relevant messages.
Suspected online booking fraud can be reported to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), while banking complaints may be taken up with the relevant bank and appropriate regulatory complaint channels.
Consumer protection authorities and police may also be approached depending on the nature of the dispute.
What buyers should remember
Before paying a booking amount, customers should independently confirm the dealership’s authorisation, approved payment account, written booking conditions and official booking reference.
Automotive experts advise buyers not to rush into payments based on promotional offers, verbal assurances or promises of immediate delivery.
Verifying the transaction before transferring money remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of vehicle booking fraud in Pakistan.