MULTAN – Pakistani cricket star Sohaib Maqsood thought he had sealed a simple car deal as he sold his luxury car through Multan showroom, with Rs6 million advance, but buyer never paid the rest or handed over the ownership papers.
Sohaib Maqsood has finally reclaimed his luxury car nearly nine months after it was fraudulently taken in a cunning scam. It all started when Sohaib sold his old car through Multan showroom, and the buyer paid Rs6 million but shockingly failed to hand over the remaining payment or the car’s ownership papers, leaving the cricketer blindsided.
Maqsood took to social media to expose the fraudulent scheme. The post quickly went viral, forcing the Punjab CM to intervene and order immediate police action. After a high-stakes raid in Lahore, police successfully retrieved the stolen vehicle, bringing relief to the cricket star and sending a warning to scammers nationwide.
Here’s quick guide for you to avoid scam in Car Sale/Purchase
Deal Directly With Owner
For buying a car, deal directly with the owner rather than a commission agent. Agents often sell cars at inflated prices to make their commission and commit fraud.
Take Possession Before Paying
Always take possession of the car before making the payment. In local markets, trust often becomes the root cause of fraud.
Agents may flatter and mislead buyers, giving the impression of honesty while deceiving them.
Check Police Records for Vehicle/Owner History
Before purchasing a used car, check its record with the police. It is advised to verify the car’s police records with the actual owner.
{olice maintain a complete database of stolen or snatched vehicles. Before buying, submit a request to verify that the car you are purchasing, engine and chassis number, is not in the police record.
Complete Biometric Transfer on the Same Day
During vehicle transactions, there is a biometric process for transferring ownership. Delay in completing this often causes transfer issues. CPO Dogar advised: “Whenever you acquire a car, get it registered in your name through biometric verification the same day. Any issues at the excise office can also be resolved immediately.”
Sometimes dealers collect the car price and hand over the car to the buyer, who assumes everything is settled. Later, during the transfer, biometric agents charge extra fees of 200,000–300,000.
Moreover, visiting the excise office may reveal that multiple claims exist on the car, restricting transfer. Therefore, resolve all issues before paying.
Legal Action Under Section 406 for Deception
If a buyer is misled despite receiving assurances, legal recourse is available. If the information provided about a car is false or deceptive, it is considered a criminal act under Section 406 of the Pakistan Penal Code (breach of trust).
Do not finalize payments until all concerns are cleared, and the car is fully in your name with clean papers. Bank transactions provide authenticity; otherwise, the dealer may cheat, and even a 5–10% advance may be lost.”
This sensational case serves as a stark reminder that even celebrities are not immune to fraud, and highlights the urgent need for vigilance in vehicle transactions.
