Government ministry takes aim at unlicensed Facebook car dealers

An unlicensed car dealer has been convicted and fined $13,000 for selling too many cars on Facebook marketplace in a single year.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) investigated Auckland woman Jessie Gettins before taking her to the Auckland District Court.

Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders Duncan Connor said that Gettins had sold 11 vehicles in 12 months.

Individuals are only allowed to sell six cars a year without being a registered dealer under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act.

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The maximum fine is $50,000 for an individual and $200,000 for a company.

It’s not the first time that Gettins has been before the court. She was also found guilty of a similar offence in 2016 and was fined $18,000.

According to a statement from MBIE, Gettins used to be a registered dealer and would have been aware of the requirement.

Duncan Connor said that registered vehicle traders are assessed by the registrar to ensure they are “suitable” to be registered.

They are also required to comply with obligations under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act, the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act.

“These obligations offer greater protection to consumers when purchasing a car.”

Connor said that Facebook Marketplace was a common platform for unregistered people who sell cars.

He warned buyers to take extra care when buying vehicles from people on the internet.

“Precautions may include organising a pre-purchase check and inspection on the vehicle to identify any money owing or mechanical issues.”

The register of motor vehicle traders can be viewed at motortraders.govt.nz