is it safe to do a bank transfer when buying a car

Yes—bank transfer can be safe when buying a car, provided you treat it like a croc: magnificent, but keep your hands well clear.

Use PayID/Osko to an account name you’ve independently verified with the seller’s ID, and call a known phone number (not one from a fresh email) to confirm details. Do a PPSR check to ensure the car isn’t encumbered, and never send a cent before seeing the car and having a signed receipt/contract. Beware ‘we changed bank details’ messages—classic scam—send a $1 test first and match the account name. Meet at a bank branch for handover, transfer with the seller present, and don’t hand over keys or rego until funds show and the bank confirms cleared. If you want belt and braces, use escrow or a bank cheque and get a written receipt with IDs.