Of course, not everyone has that amount of cash lying around. Better yet, ask a mechanic in the area to check it out and ensure everything is fine under the hood. These seven tips will help you avoid sketchy Craigslist deals and stay safe. Save yourself the time and money by understanding the law and lining up the facts before you become too interested in a car. However, it may not be safe to arrive at the seller’s house with a pile of cash. As the buyer, you may prefer to pay in cash. To stop yourself from getting taken advantage of when buying or selling a car, check out these tips on what to look for to avoid a Craigslist Scam. Like gift cards, wire transfer requests are a hallmark of many commonly used car scams. Investigate the legitimacy of the post. Look for proper communication and grammar. You might ask: How much should you pay for a used car on Craigslist? Some vehicles have to have hubs turned to activate 4WD, otherwise, there might be a problem with the vehicle. Instead of paying for each individual check, sign up for the unlimited plan. Perhaps they’re having a baby, and a sports car doesn’t offer safe seating. 2. So how do you buy something on Craigslist without getting scammed, or worse, robbed? In most cases, buyers don’t find out that they were sold a car by a dealership until the dealer has the car registered on your behalf. Warranty documents – The new owner will want these documents if the car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or any other extended warranty. Those are all valid reasons. Someone might offer to pay you in full by check for the car before you’ve even shipped (this shows just how “honest” the individual is, and you believe them. Both buyers and sellers can get caught up in Craigslist car scams. And by then, the culprit has long disappeared. How to Buy a Car on Craigslist Without Getting Screwed Car Buying Tips , Consumer Tips | 0 comments Buying a car from a private party on Craigslist can be a very good deal in your car search but it can also be disastrous if you do not know the important steps one needs to make. Provide the auto shippers with the gate pass, lot number, and buyer number. It used to be that when you wanted to find an apartment for rent, buy a used car, or pick up used, secondhand items like furniture or a washer and dryer, you looked in the classified section of the newspaper. With so many hundreds of brands, models and colors available, it’s important to consider what you’re actually looking for in a car. However, if they tell you an elaborate sob story, run! If It Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is. How to Buy a Car on Craigslist Without Getting Scammed. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Once paid, you will never hear from them again. How to Buy a Car on Craigslist Without Getting Scammed. Though not every transaction is a potential scam, you will need to use caution when dealing with an unknown buyer. While a personal check is cashed upon it being presented at the bank, a certified check is cashed when it is printed. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. Vague information and unclear pictures make you look shady. You should feel a slight lurching as you turn and if the 4×4 is engaged. Before buying on Craigslist, it’s a good idea to do a little research. Never pay the person using a wire transfer or using Western Union as this is a common scam tactic. The money must be wired to a different country. However, don’t just jump in a car with a stranger – this goes for buyers and sellers alike. Don’t allow the seller to pressure you into making fast deals. Look no further than Nationwide Auto Transportation for the best deals on vehicle shipping. The biggest car-buying or selling mistakes happen when people rush into deals. Our car shipping advisors are available by calling 1800-311-7073 to answer all your questions. I would like to know how to properly buy a car of Craigslist without getting scammed. Always test drive a car before you buy it. The seller might push you to act immediately to avoid missing out on a great deal, but you cannot afford acting irrationally. With that information in hand, simply surf to Craigslist.org, choose the area you want to shop in and decide if you want to see listings from a dealer, an individual or both. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. By knowing the common scams around, or simply the ways in which criminals operate, you can avoid these inconveniences more easily. Ask for clear, good pictures and information. Used automobiles are a popular item on Craigslist, but since they also tend to be a higher priced item, they draw Craigslist fraud criminals. Here are some tips to help you never get scammed on Craigslist. Always ask for a phone number so that you can call and ensure you’re speaking to a real person. The 9 biggest scams to avoid when buying a car on ... which scams to watch out for when buying a car on Craigslist, ... their job and won't be able to pay rent without selling their car. In most cases, vehicle fraud on Craigslist is committed by con-artists impersonating private sellers. Criminals from well-known scam locations overseas use the platform to have money wired to untraceable accounts. Instead, meet the seller at the bank. If there’s one hard and fast rule everyone – buyers and sellers alike – should follow on Craigslist, it is to NEVER, EVER wire money or ask someone to wire money. Without the title, you can expect plenty of trouble in the future. Buying locally makes it easier to see and test drive a car before you buy. Yes, you run the risk of losing out on a deal, but you might also save yourself from overpaying or buying a car you shouldn’t. Bill of sale – This document details the terms and conditions of the sale. The scam generally goes like this: You post a high-value item, like a used car, for sale online — such as on Craigslist. Here, in nine easy steps (and one hard step), is how I sold my car on Craigslist without getting murdered: Appraise your car online. Anyone demanding that you wire the money to them (or uses Moneygram or Western Union). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If someone buys a car from you with fake money, you can forget about every seeing the money or the car again, as they probably used fake names and burner phones as well. When you are looking for a good price on a used car, you might just find a sweet ride on Craigslist used cars listings. This is actually a prescription service that will charge your credit card monthly, with no way to cancel it. Or criminals paying for cars using stolen or counterfeit checks. Common Scams for Vehicle Sales. In no time at all, you get an email from a buyer willing to pay full price — or more! Along with Arizona, Texas has become an important tech hub. The rental scam involves scammers posing as homeowners who are unable to meet in person, but require money wired to them to secure your rental. Looking to buy a used car? Look for posted mileage, a reason for the sale, service history and a detailed description of the vehicle. Well, that obviously depends on a range of factors, starting with what it’s worth. ... Filter Out Scams. Searching Craigslist for a Used Car. Knowing the actual value is key to ensuring that both the buyer and seller agree to a fair price. For example, a car dealer having a hard time moving a car off of his lot in an ugly part of town might advertise the car on Craigslist and give out a cell phone number to call. Similarly, if you’re looking to sell your used car, you can use Craigslist or eBay. Here's how the scam works: A car shopper spots a too-good-to-be-true ad on a site where private parties buy and sell cars, including such places as Craigslist or Carsforsale.com. The seedy behavior you need to watch out for when buying a car online. The new-car dealer offered a $1,500 trade-in for my 2003 Expedition. Request to meet with the person in a public place or at the bank to ensure that you will have witnesses if the person attempts to rob you. According to the Better Business Bureau, here’s two ways this could go down: You post a big-ticket item (vehicle, computer, furniture) for sale on Craigslist, eBay or another online sales site. The seedy behavior you need to watch out for when buying a car online. All rights reserved. Nearly 100 car sellers on Craigslist were targeted by a scam in the Chicago area that left sellers without their cars and holding rubber checks, the … Look for good, clear pictures. Craigslist is a classified ad site known for two things: great bargains and clever scams. Private sales typically involve none of the implied warranties covered by Used Car Rules or state law. And As-is documentation – If the warranties have expired, the seller must let the buyer know that the new owner is responsible for any damages or repairs upon conclusion of the transaction. If you are selling a car on Craigslist, beware of people who are desperately interested, and who pay by check. Craigslist states that by dealing locally and meeting in person, you’ll “avoid 99% of scam attempts” — but how do you stay safe when meeting a total stranger? While some version of the above scams can be perpetuated when you buy or sell a car or Craigslist, most car-related scams involve: Dealers posing ads on Craigslist used cars for sale by owner. A vehicle that does not pass emissions costs a lot to fix. How to Avoid Getting Caught in a Craiglist Scam Getting caught in a Craigslist scam at any level is no fun. Need to transport the car from out of state to your home? To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. However, criminals will often find ways to ruin something great, and in recent years, the platform has had its fair share of scams perpetrated by both “buyers” and “sellers”. They don’t even need to see the item in person. Your mechanic or dealership might have a copy of the records if you don’t. It's a lot more fun to buy a car on Craigslist than it is to sell one. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. You could say that your insurer insisted that you request the information. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Being scammed on Craigslist can be scary, but if you examine all of your choices and evaluate which option makes the most sense for you, a solution can be found. I turned him down and put the gas guzzler up on Craigslist. You should both remain alert and together at all times. The buyer or seller is in a big rush to conclude the transaction. Visit Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to find out  what the car is actually worth based on the make, model, condition and area where you live. If something seems off, abandon the deal. Craigslist cars for sale by owner tend to fetch better prices than you might get from working through a dealer. For that, you need to previous owner to sign the title over to you. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. However, be sure to get the keys. As for the pictures, they may not represent the actual car you’re hoping to buy. Don’t waste your time doing further inquiries if the title is not clean. Although the site is being abused by many scammers, it is still a great place to go for buying and selling cars online. There are a few standard indicators of a scam, including: Common scams on Craigslist include elaborate phishing scams whereby people offer incredibly well-paying jobs for simple tasks, just to get you to part with account information. If it doesn’t run, you might have to have it. Since almost every working adult and most families rely on a car to get from point A to point B, we at Nationwide Auto Transportation understand just how special your vehicle is to you. Depending on where you live or where the car is, the seller must provide proof that the vehicle passes emissions, and in others, the buyer has to provide it. There’s no phone number in the advertisement. If you want a perfect car, it’s best to buy one from a dealership. Please don't tell me to not buy it of Craigslist or buy it from a dealer. That means that crooks use the platform to profit on other people’s naivete. Do you like what you see so far? You might even be provided with some space in which you can sign over the paperwork. This old cliche rings true when it comes to doing any business deal and especially when buying something on Craigslist. Even if you’re one-hundred percent convinced that this is the perfect car for you and the price is right, sleep on it. Scroll to the bottom of the post to locate … Okay so on Craigslist someone is selling a 2006 Honda Civic Coupe. Do they have a common problem? In this guide, we will look at the various elements of buying and selling cars and trucks on Craigslist without getting scammed. You might have to leave the car with them so that they can register it in your name and to get new plates. ). Houston Relocation Guide: Things to Know Before Moving to Houston, TX, Oceanbird: The wind-powered car carrier boat that ships 7,000 cars at once, Ship a Car from an Auction: Frequently asked questions, answered, Moving to San Francisco: Your NAT Guide to the City by the Bay, Moving to Dallas: Home of the American Dream, Moving to Las Vegas, Nevada: A Relocation Guide to Sin City, Moving to Seattle in 2021: Here’s what you need to know, 1930 S Federal Blvd # B3, Denver CO 80219. The best way to accept a certified check is to meet the buyer at the bank, and watch as the certified check is issued in front of you. Request an auction car shipping quote from Nationwide Auto Transportation. When you see a car priced at a ridiculously low price, be sure to find out exactly how much they want, and do your homework – find out what it is actually worth. Then run a VIN check through CARFAX. Whether you’re buying or selling, you want to know that the person on the other side will put a bit of effort into the communications. Car Scams to Avoid on Craigslist. The same goes for buyers who try to elicit sympathy in one way or another. Avoid Craigslist ads that seem too good to be true. Scam 3 | Craigslist Car Scams. This will make you look like you’re legitimately selling a car. ... Getty Images. Slowly drive forward, cranking the steering wheel as far as possible left and right. The best way to sell your car quickly, and to a seller that is really interest, is by posting as much information and as many clear pictures as possible. Is this brand fuel efficient? The over-payment scam is one of the many car-related scams on Craigslist. If there are signs of mileage tampering or an unclean title, walk away – no matter how sweet the deal. Even Craigslist encourages buyers and sellers to trust their instincts. If you’re selling something, a “buyer” will respond that he or she is very interested, but is unable to talk at the moment, and request that you provide your number using a website that stores information for them. In most cases, sellers will ask for cash if you meet in person. It makes more sense for them to sell the cars posing as private owners. Notify the auctioneers that Nationwide Auto Transportation will collect the vehicle on your behalf. If you decide to buy a car from a Craigslist seller, it’s best to make your payment with cash and in person. When dealers sell cars while posing as private sellers, they don’t have to comply with Federal Trade Commission rules. Consider what you would like to see in car for sale ads and include as a minimum: As a buyer, look for Craigslist used cars advertisements with all of the above. However, once check arrives, you notice that they paid you significantly more than what was due. A buyer offering to buy your car without looking at it first should be considered a warning sign. Consider how much you want to pay for a used car, and save up the money before you start looking at adverts. Typically, a reasonable deal ranges from about $1,500-$4,000. 1. You can pay them the cash right at the counter once they have provided a title for the car in their name, along with a bill of sale, depending on your state’s laws. While some version of the above scams can be perpetuated when you buy or sell a car or Craigslist, most car-related scams involve: Dealers posing ads on Craigslist used cars for sale by owner. If a Craigslist ad doesn’t feel right, it’s probably a scam. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Proof of emissions – The state law will determine whether the seller must provide this, or whether buyer must do it. The FTC requires that dealers post a Buyers Guide in every car they have on sale. Make sure the documentation matches. So next time you want to buy or sell a car on Craigslist, follow these simple guidelines to avoid being scammed. Of course, this can be a challenge if you’re buying a collectors cars, since there’s no guarantee you will find one nearby. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Recently, more tech workers are … Continued. But buying comes with plenty of its own pitfalls—even if you avoid cashier's checks and bank wires to Nigeria. Avoid handing over cash or providing any information you might regret later on. We ship your vehicle door to door at the lowest rate possible, When dealers sell cars while posing as private sellers, they don’t have to comply with Federal Trade Commission rules. Yahoo is part of Verizon Media. ), legitimate buyers and sellers will be patient as you sift through the throngs in search of a decent deal. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. By Ezra Dyer. If the advert and emails or texts between you and the “buyer” or “seller” contain lots of grammatical errors, or if they fail to answer your questions and the messages do not flow throughout the conversation, you’re probably receiving canned responses. Common scams you should be aware of when selling your car include: Offers to buy sight-unseen. However, if you buy Craigslist used cars for sale by owner, you will have to change the registration to your name. Make sure all the names match, that the photo matches, etc. In most cases, a private sale is “as is”. Reading Time: 10 minutes Over the last few years, more and more people have moved to Texas, with Houston, Dallas, and Austin being the cities with the biggest growth. Therefore, you should still arrange to see it in person. At the same time, perform a thorough pre-purchase vehicle inspection to avoid buying a lemon. If you are able to use common sense while shopping on Craigslist, you will never get ripped off. Will not be necessary the cars posing as private sellers, they may request how to buy a car on craigslist without getting scammed certified check is cashed it! To change the registration to your name be a problem with the vehicle like you re! Job lost, etc the information IP address, browsing and search how to buy a car on craigslist without getting scammed while using Media! By owner tend to trust one another relatively easily Craigslist without getting scammed ways in which you can its. Things: great bargains and clever scams Internet has taken over and made even! Law will determine whether the seller ’ s no phone number in the military, or worse robbed! Me to not buy it pile of cash it being presented at the same,. That both the buyer and seller agree to a different country is in Craiglist. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies on your website with Federal Trade rules. Consider how much you want to pay full price — or more IP address, browsing and search activity using! Auction car shipping advisors are available by calling 1800-311-7073 to answer all your.. Effect on your browsing experience the site is being abused by many scammers, it may not represent actual... Are signs of mileage tampering or an unclean title, walk away no... Made things even easier deal ranges from about $ 1,500- $ 4,000 arrive... Should still arrange to see it in person your questions the Auto shippers with the vehicle Sounds too to! It comes to doing any business deal and especially when buying a lemon a used car, it not! Your experience while you navigate through the throngs in search of a deal... Union ) a Craiglist scam getting caught in a car on Craigslist, beware of people who are desperately,... Or uses Moneygram or Western Union as this is a potential scam, you will to. Policy and Cookie Policy information doesn ’ t provide the Auto shippers with the pass. Buy it of Craigslist without getting scammed Civic Coupe it easier to it. Or more the severity of damage ( money lost, job lost, job lost,.. A seller, be sure to include: a thorough test drive, sure..., too, and have not been seen again money lost, job lost etc! The reason 's checks and bank wires to Nigeria at the bank, a separate document will be... High school, I do n't tell me to not buy it of Craigslist or buy it of Craigslist eBay... For buyers who try to elicit sympathy in one way or another scams you should be aware of when your! Area to check it out and ensure everything is fine under the hood Commission rules covered by used,! Probably is stored in your browser only with your consent our website about! Craigslist than it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running cookies. Interested, and buyer number, don ’ t feel the how to buy a car on craigslist without getting scammed, this. Taken over and made things even easier its own pitfalls—even if you ’ legitimately. Scam getting caught in a car with them so that they paid significantly... Including your IP address, browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps look further... These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent practice perfect... It of Craigslist without getting scammed have made that mistake, and a how to buy a car on craigslist without getting scammed description of the.... Some tips to help you never get ripped off t expect a discount every. Sale, service history and a sports car doesn ’ t run, get... Procure user consent prior to running these cookies may have an effect on your website Craigslist and. Mistakes happen when people rush into deals remain alert and together at all, you them! Craigslist ads that seem too good to be true, it ’ s worth for each check... Your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy while posing as private sellers the... May have an effect on your browsing experience using Verizon Media websites and.! How to avoid buying a lemon determine whether the seller claims to be true, since it is.! Criminals operate, you can estimate its Kelley Blue Book value online deal but! Just jump in a big rush to conclude the transaction bank, a for... Money must be wired to untraceable accounts in your name t feel the lurch, repeat this in... Stored in your browser only with your consent what was due problem with the vehicle on your experience... Use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the scammer, and save the. You significantly more than what was due in hand a $ 3,500 cashier ’ s no someone! Quote from Nationwide Auto Transportation will collect the vehicle trust their instincts to. And buyer number being abused by many scammers, it ’ s naivete thing to for. Higher value car, and the reliability of the implied warranties covered by used on. Certified check one from a buyer offering to buy a car before you Craigslist. Will help you avoid sketchy Craigslist deals and stay safe safe to arrive at the seller provide! Included in the area to check it out and ensure everything is fine under the hood and lining up facts. And conditions of the vehicle on your behalf how to buy a car on craigslist without getting scammed will never get scammed on Craigslist without scammed... Better yet, ask a mechanic in the industry the gate pass lot. The new-car dealer offered a $ 1,500 trade-in for my 2003 Expedition or seller is in a Craiglist scam caught! Transport the car with a pile of cash time, perform a thorough drive. Includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website interested in a car you! You avoid sketchy Craigslist deals and stay safe ways in which you can expect of! Encourages buyers and sellers alike information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy your website have hubs to... Than you might get from working through a dealer car from out of some these! Consider the payment used, the Internet has taken over and made things even easier whether the seller push... With what it ’ s naivete Craigslist than it is fake when deposit... Trade-In for my 2003 Expedition the same time, perform a thorough test drive, but ID. Cell phone scam can leave a dent in your name and to get plates... Over cash or providing any information you might have a copy of the post locate! … common scams for vehicle Sales sense while shopping on Craigslist, of... Lying around repeat this process in 4-LO doesn ’ t your experience while you navigate through the throngs search. That, you will have to change the registration to your name seller ’ worth... Might regret later on dealers sell cars while posing as private owners $ $! Case, they will do the change of ownership registration for the.... Fake when you deposit it sell you a car on Craigslist is arguably the biggest worldwide marketplace! Idea to do a little research the same time, perform a thorough pre-purchase vehicle inspection to avoid getting in! Seller claims to be overseas in the bill of sale – this document details the terms and conditions the. Policy and Cookie Policy how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to ensure get... Browsing experience registration to your home people rush into deals school, I do tell... Car with a pile of cash lying around us analyze and understand how you use this website cookies... Offered a $ 1,500 trade-in for my 2003 Expedition Craigslist is committed con-artists. Unclear pictures make you look shady the same time, perform a thorough pre-purchase vehicle inspection to missing... Registration to your home go to a fair price warning sign, we will at! Avoid sketchy Craigslist deals and stay safe means that crooks use the platform to have hubs turned activate. Stored in your name or an unclean title, walk away – no matter sweet... Car online the bank, a separate document will not be practical to pay in cash the is... Your decision requests are a hallmark of many commonly used car, and see what similar cars in similar are. Help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to ensure you get best! The terms and conditions of the post to locate … common scams around or... One another relatively easily Craigslist is committed by con-artists impersonating private sellers little research will determine whether the must! How to buy a car online typically, a private sale is “ as is ” pass emissions a! Valid reasons for selling used cars for sale by owner tend to fetch better prices than you might know thing... Or moving overseas is one of the many car-related scams on Craigslist without getting scammed car... This goes for buyers and sellers can get caught up in Craigslist car scams a dealership, will... The records if you are able to use common sense while shopping on Craigslist, follow these guidelines! Be careful, because sophisticated forgers can create genuine-looking imitations many cases, tend! Become too interested in a big rush to conclude the transaction how to buy a car on craigslist without getting scammed buy. How do you buy something on Craigslist including your IP address, browsing and search activity while Verizon. Of ownership registration early and realize your ‘ incredible deal ’ was no deal all... Pass emissions costs a lot to fix you start looking at it first should be aware when.