Dozens of dangerous cars are being sold illegally to unsuspecting drivers in the region as unscrupulous traders take advantage of private selling laws, it emerged today.

By selling the dodgy cars from grass verges and public car parks and claiming to be private sellers, instead of dealers, the cowboy traders rob buyers of all rights should something go wrong with the car.

Wolverhampton City Council today warned the so-called “shadow car dealers” were becoming increasingly common as the recession continues to bite.

Peter Calvert, trading standards manager, said it was “easy money”.

“It’s something that won’t go away, especially in the current tough economic climate. People are looking for a bargain and that makes them easy targets,” he said.

“These sellers buy cars specifically to sell them on, which makes them dealers. But they claim to be private sellers so consumer rights go out the window.”

He said the team gets at least one or two reports of such dealers in Wolverhampton every month.

Until recently, he added, the car park in Cannock Road was a particular hotspot area but after an operation in October where they seized two cars and issued warnings the problem had dissipated.

“At the end of the day, a buyer has every right to ask to see the registration documents. If they can’t or won’t show you, or it lists someone else’s name and address as the last owner, it is likely that they have bought the car simply to sell on and people should be concerned,” Mr Calvert said.

“It is a breach of street trading legislation and people should contact us immediately.”

Last year, salesman Chumack Singh Rangla, 31, of Church Road, Oxley, Wolverhampton, was fined £12,000 after selling a “dangerous” vehicle to trading standards officers during a sting operation. It was later reduced to £5,800 on appeal.