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Don't become the victim of a car buying scam. Cars For Sale offers tools to prevent it from happening to you. Here are our top 8 tips to avoid online car buying scams.
Online Car Purchases Can be Safe and Easy
While shopping for vehicles online saves you an incredible amount of time and legwork, you should be aware of people who would take advantage of you. Online car buying is extremely efficient and can be 100% safe, if done correctly. Don’t let the fear of car buying scams keep you from using this valuable car shopping resource.
Here at Carsforsale.com, we are passionate about connecting real buyers and trusted sellers. That’s why we require proof of a state-approved license from all dealerships we work with before any listings are published online. We also offer Free Vehicle History Reports, among other tools, for buyers to use before making a purchase, offering them confidence in their decisions.
1. Be Thoughtful in Your Decision-Making
It’s hard to make a smart decision when you’re under pressure. You should always take the time you need to ask questions when considering a vehicle and a seller.
Thanks to the internet, there is loads of information available. You can never have too many details at your disposal when you’re making a large purchase. Make sure that you get your information from reliable sources.
We offer great resources for anyone looking for additional information beyond the tips that are listed below. We’ve covered topics like How to Trade in Your Car, How to Negotiate Prices, and How to Buy a Car Out of State.
A vehicle is a long-term investment, so don’t make a rash decision.
2. Beware of Car Deals That Are Too Good to Be True
You know the old saying: ‘If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.’ A brand new 2021 Ford F-150 selling for $7,000? I’ll take two! That’s not very likely to happen. Be very cautious of prices that are far below the national average. When shopping on Carsforsale.com be sure to check our price analytics data on each vehicle page to see how pricing and details stack up with similar listings. Scammers often use an unbelievably low price to attract customers who are ready to part with their cash quickly. Don’t fall into this trap.
3. Verified Communication
People don’t always communicate in person or by phone these days. That’s the advantage of being able to buy and sell things online. Take note of the following advice when communicating about a vehicle purchase.
If you are meeting someone in person, make sure it’s in a safe place where there is nearby activity. When arranging a meeting with an independent seller, a well-populated area during daylight hours is best. If you can, take someone with you.
If you are communicating by email, take note of what their email is. Are they using a familiar email provider? Does it look suspicious, with numbers and symbols in unusual areas? Most emails follow a standard format that involves a first name or initial, a last name, and the name of the business. Be sure to keep any communication, whether it’s by email, text or otherwise, as well.
If someone isn’t willing to speak with you by phone, that could be a red flag. It’s much easier for a scammer to avoid the law when the transaction occurs with no phone correspondence. Scammers can cover their computer tracks with ease.
A good way to avoid scammers is to browse established car listings from State-Verified dealers like we have on Carsforsale.com, from the get go. There, you can contact the seller directly. As always, our awarding-winning Customer Service team is standing by to help.
4. Maintain a Professional Relationship
Scammers will use your goodwill to their advantage. There are a variety of sad stories scammers use to gain your trust and sympathy, leaving you prone to a fraudulent sale. From military deployment to a family tragedy, nothing is off limits. Beware of stories like those so that someone isn’t playing off of your emotions. It’s best to keep the transaction professional.
5. Dig Up the Facts with Free Vehicle History Reports
One way to verify facts is through a free Vehicle History Report, offered on every vehicle on Carsforsale.com at no cost. These proven reports include critical vehicle and title data to help you make an informed purchase. These free Vehicle History Reports are backed by government data from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
Details included in our free vehicle history reports include junk and salvage info, previous fire damage or flood damage, insurance information, and title history. Our philosophy is that peace of mind shouldn’t come with a price tag.
6. Test it Out
Touching, feeling and driving a car is always a good way to ensure vehicle quality, but sometimes, that’s not an option. You can still test out your car before buying it, even if it’s not in person.
Now, more than ever, dealerships across the United States are working hard to not only meet buyers’ needs but prioritize their safety by using some innovative and incredibly convenient new services to do so.
From virtual appointments and live video walkarounds to at-home test drives and even home delivery, there are plenty of contactless shopping options now available. Across Carsforsale.com, new Virtual Shopping Badges are now prominently displayed on inventory listings to help you find local dealerships going the extra mile to ensure your safety and serve you from the comfort of your home.
7. Use Reputable Escrow Services
Fake escrow services are one way that buyers or sellers could be deceived. After agreeing on the price, money is sent to a supposedly secure escrow site through a wire service. It may sound legitimate, but once the funds are transferred, money is withdrawn, the account is closed, and the paper trail is erased. The car is never delivered.
If one party is suggesting a particular escrow service, it’s best to thoroughly research that service before committing. It’s always a good idea to use a reputable bank, an attorney you trust, or a well-known online service. You’ll need to make sure that it’s a licensed company through a state licensing authority.
If you aren’t comfortable with the payment, suggest something that works for you.
8. Never Pay Early
Sending money before having the vehicle may very well be paying for a car that doesn’t exist. Whether you’re using escrow accounts or another form of payment, the absolute safest transaction is when you have the keys in your hand immediately after handing over the money.
Start Your Next Adventure!
Buying a car is a big decision, but use these tips and other resources at Carsforsale.com to enjoy the experience! Millions of safe connections happen every year on Carsforsale.com, leading to satisfied new owners driving home over 9.4 million vehicles in 2020 alone! So, start searching millions and find yours, so you can get out there and have your next great moment.
A Note from Cars For Sale:
At Cars For Sale, we want to help you avoid a car buying scam. We’re here to help you buy cars safely online. We aren’t involved in the car buying transaction. We don’t own, buy, or sell vehicles listed on our site. We also don’t offer automotive warehousing or shipping services. Carsforsale.com will never email you asking for personal information or payment. If an email claims to be from us and asks for personal information or payment, it is fraudulent.
Great post thanks for sharing this! Trusting your instinct truly does go a long way. If you do not feel comfortable or you are just not satisfied it’s okay to walk away. This gives us control over the situation!