Importing a car can save you a lot of money. Unfortunately, it also attracts scammers. Every year, Kenyan buyers lose deposits to fake exporters, cloned websites and "clearing agents" who disappear. Others receive cars with tampered mileage or hidden accident damage.
This guide explains the most common scams, the real risks of wiring money directly to Japanese or UK car brokers, and how to pay safely. Whether you import with Elisa Motors or anyone else, these checks will protect you.
The most common car import scams
1. Fake exporter websites
Scammers copy the design of real Japanese or UK exporters, then advertise cars at prices that look too good to be true. Once you send a deposit by telegraphic transfer, the site disappears. Therefore, always verify an exporter independently before paying.
2. Changed bank details
In this scam, a fraudster hacks or spoofs an email and sends "updated" bank details. You pay what looks like a genuine invoice, but the money goes to the fraudster. Always confirm bank details by phone using a number you already trust.
3. Fake clearing agents
Some people pose as clearing agents at Mombasa. They collect "duty" in cash or to a personal account, then vanish. KRA duty is paid through official systems, never in cash to an individual. Read our Mombasa clearing guide.
4. Tampered mileage
Odometers can be rolled back, especially on older cars. As a result, a car with 180,000 km can be sold as 60,000 km. Verify mileage with the auction sheet, export certificate and inspection records. See our mileage check guide.
5. Overage cars
Some sellers ship cars that fail the 8-year rule. The car is then stuck at Mombasa, where it cannot be cleared. In 2026, only cars first registered in 2019 or later qualify. Read our 8-year rule guide.
6. Hidden accident or flood damage
Repaired accident cars and flood-damaged cars are sometimes sold as clean. Japanese auction sheets show many repairs, so read them carefully. For UK cars, check the history for insurance write-off categories.
7. Fake "duty paid" bargains
Some local sellers advertise "duty paid" cars that are actually stolen, smuggled or carrying unpaid taxes. Always run an NTSA logbook search and confirm KRA clearance before buying a car in Kenya.
Risks of wiring money directly to car brokers abroad
Many Kenyans pay Japanese exporters by telegraphic transfer (TT) from banks like KCB, Equity or Co-op. Reputable exporters are legitimate, and TT is a normal way to pay. However, the risks are real.
First, once a TT is sent, it is very hard to reverse. Second, if the exporter does not ship, recovering money from another country is slow and costly. Third, the exporter, not you, chooses the inspection, shipping and documents. Finally, if something goes wrong at Mombasa, the exporter is far away.
So, how do you reduce the risk? Pay only verified exporters, confirm bank details by phone, keep every invoice and receipt, and never pay a personal account. Better still, use a Kenyan importer who takes responsibility for the whole process.
Is an escrow account useful?
Escrow means a neutral party holds your money until agreed conditions are met, such as delivery. In car imports, formal escrow is not common. However, some importers offer staged payments. For example, you pay a deposit, then the balance once the car is inspected or arrives. Ask about payment stages before you commit.
Paying a Japanese exporter safely
If you buy directly from Japan, follow these steps. First, confirm the company is registered and has a physical address. Next, check independent reviews over several years, not just recent ones. Then, confirm the bank account is in the company's name. Finally, ask for the auction sheet and export certificate before shipping.
Read our guide to big exporters vs local importers and our Japanese auctions guide.
Buying from a UK private seller or dealer
UK scams often involve fake listings on classified sites. Never pay a private seller you have not verified, and never pay for a car nobody has seen. Use a trusted agent who inspects the car and checks its history. Read our guide to buying cars in the UK for export.
Warning signs of a car import scam
Watch for these red flags:
The price is far below the market. The seller pressures you to pay today. The bank account is personal or in a different country from the company. The seller refuses video calls or inspections. Documents look edited or have spelling errors. Finally, the seller asks for cash duty payments at the port.
How Elisa Motors protects your money
1. A Kenyan business you can visit
We are based in Nairobi, Kenya. You can call +254 725 310 112, WhatsApp us or meet our team.
2. You see the car first
We send auction sheets, photos, videos and inspection reports before you approve a purchase.
3. Verified mileage and age
We check mileage and first registration date, so your car is genuine and importable.
4. One written landed price
Our quote covers the car, shipping, duty, clearing and registration. Therefore, there are no surprise fees at Mombasa.
5. Official duty payments
Duty is paid through KRA's official systems, and you receive the documents.
6. Logbook in your name
We register the car with NTSA and hand you the logbook in your name.
Safe import checklist
Before paying anyone, confirm these points. The seller is verified and reachable. The car is 2019 or newer. The mileage is supported by documents. The bank account matches the company name. The landed price includes all taxes and fees. Finally, you have a written agreement.
Talk to us
Call +254 725 310 112 or WhatsApp +254 725 310 112. Browse Harrier or Prado prices, or send an import request.
