When RetroRides founder and managing director, Cameron Jurd lost $16,000 in an online scam, he never imagined that gut-wrenching experience would one day lead him to create Australia’s first ID-verified Classic, Collector and Performance car site.
Despite taking every precaution, from checking the ABN and speaking with someone on the phone to reviewing what looked like a legitimate business website, Jurd still fell victim to a sophisticated and professional operation.
“Once I transferred the payment, everything went dead. My calls were blocked; my emails went unanswered. It made me feel sick,” Jurd said.
When police confirmed that his money was gone and could not be traced, Jurd realised just how vulnerable even experienced buyers could be in today’s digital landscape.
That experience became the catalyst for creating RetroRides, a platform designed to protect car buyers and sellers through digital ID verification, using the same government-backed identity tool adopted by major Australian institutions.
RetroRides requires every user to verify their identity through the attorney general’s ID check system before they can buy or sell, ensuring genuine people are on both sides of the transaction.
“We know people can be hesitant to share ID details online,” Jurd admits.
“But it’s far better than the alternative. I’d rather verify once through a secure, government backed process than risk losing thousands to a scammer.”
Australians lost more than $3 billion to scams in 2024, according to Scamwatch, with vehicle sales among the hardest-hit categories.
Fake listings, cloned websites, and sophisticated impersonation tactics are becoming increasingly common, even fooling those who believe they’ve done the right checks.
“Our community is made up of genuine enthusiasts who just want to trade safely, and we want to make sure they can.”
Beyond verification, RetroRides offers sellers a full-suite platform built with enthusiasts in mind.
A key feature setting RetroRides apart, is the free vehicle valuation data, included across most listings. This feature empowers both buyers and sellers with real-time insights into market value, ensuring every deal is backed by data rather than guesswork.
The valuation system automatically analyses comparable listings, displaying a clear benchmark range under each vehicle’s price, helping buyers determine whether a car is well-priced, overvalued, or represents exceptional value. Sellers can also use this data to set realistic, competitive prices that attract genuine interest while maintaining transparency.