Buying a car online from the comfort of your living room with a few simple clicks has its perks, but it also brings some risk. As with most of the online world, scams have crept into the space. It’s important to be aware of common cons so you don’t lose money in the process of getting a new vehicle.
Common online car buying scams
There are a few common scams to look out for when browsing online for a car.
Identity theft
Some scammers are not only looking to swindle you out of your money but looking to gather your personal information. In this case, scammers will request information like your Social Security number, birthdate or banking numbers. Do not share any personal information with potential sellers. If you must share maintenance records, be sure to black out any private information.
Curbstoning
This scam is when a dealer pretends to be a private seller with the intent to sell a vehicle that doesn’t comply with normal dealer regulations — meaning it has a salvaged title. This will cause major headaches and can be avoided by staying away from vehicles sold online from vacant lots, on the side of the road or even at the seller’s home.
Fake advertisements
During your car search you might run into online advertisements of vehicles for sale. But without confirmation of the vehicle’s VIN number do not purchase it. It is common for scammers to present a vehicle in an advertisement without having it.
