Safety tips

Karyo connects sellers and buyers, but never takes part in transactions and cannot warrant either the vehicles or the Users. Caution remains your best protection. Here are our recommendations for buying and selling with peace of mind.

When you meet

• Prefer a public, busy place, preferably in daylight.
• Don't come alone when possible, especially for a significant transaction.
• Tell someone close to you the place and time of the meeting.
• Be wary of anyone who systematically refuses to meet in person.

Check the vehicle

• Ask to see the original registration certificate (carte grise) and check that it matches the vehicle and the seller.
• Require a valid technical inspection certificate.
• Check that there is no objection, pledge or seizure on the vehicle.
• Verify that the chassis number (VIN), mileage and overall condition match.
• Have the vehicle test-driven and, ideally, inspected by a mechanic of your choice before any commitment.

Check the documents and the transaction

• Never buy a vehicle without documents or with incomplete documents.
• Draw up a written sales contract, signed by both parties, and keep a copy.
• Make sure the change of ownership is carried out properly.

Payment: stay cautious

• Never pay in advance for a vehicle you have not seen and checked.
• Be wary of requests for a deposit, "reservation fees", transport or customs fees before the meeting.
• Avoid transfers of money to strangers, especially abroad.
• For large amounts, prefer a secure and verifiable payment method.
• Beware of overpayments: a buyer who "pays too much" and asks you to refund the difference is almost always an attempted scam.

Recognising a scam

Be particularly vigilant if:

• the price is abnormally low compared with the market;
• the seller claims to be abroad and proposes shipping via a "carrier" or an "escrow service";
• you are asked to pay before seeing the vehicle, or to pay fees to "release" the delivery;
• you are pressured to decide quickly;
• the information is inconsistent: the photos, price and description do not match.

Protect your information

• Never share your password or your verification codes (OTP) with anyone.
• Do not share your banking details unnecessarily.
• Karyo will never ask you for payment to "validate", "reserve" or "release" a vehicle, and takes no part in any transaction.

Reporting

If a listing seems suspicious to you, report it from the app. Your reports help us protect the community. For any question: [email protected].

Last updated: June 2026.