Most sellers are honest, but scams are common enough to be worth knowing. Almost all of them rely on pressure and on you skipping checks.
In this article
- Odometer and title tricks
- Payment and escrow fraud
- Curbstoning
Odometer and title tricks
Odometer rollback and title washing hide a car’s real history. A vehicle history report and a service record catch most of them.
| Scam | Warning sign | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer rollback | Wear does not match mileage | History report |
| Title washing | Recent title from another state | Title check |
| Fake escrow | Seller pushes unusual payment | Use your bank |
| Curbstoning | Seller name does not match the title | Check ID |
Costs are typical ranges. Check your own situation and local prices.
Payment and escrow fraud
Be wary of buyers or sellers who insist on gift cards, wire transfers to unknown accounts or a ‘special escrow service’. Legitimate sales use a bank.
Pressure is the oldest sales tool there is.
Curbstoning
Unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers to sell several cars with problems. A seller with many listings and a name that does not match the title is a warning sign.
Step by step
- Run a VIN check
- Verify the seller’s ID
- Pay through a bank
- Inspect the car in person
Practical tip
If a seller rushes you or refuses an independent inspection, leave. A good car can survive a mechanic’s look.
Bottom line
A few standard checks stop most scams before they start.
Specifications, prices and rules change. Confirm current details with the manufacturer or the relevant authority before you buy or repair.
