Buying a used car online opens up more choice, but it also attracts scammers. A few checks protect you from fake listings, curbstoners and cars that are not what they seem.
Verify the car
- Get the VIN from the seller and run a history check for title brands, mileage and recalls.
- Ask for extra photos of the VIN plate, odometer, tires and any damage.
- Confirm the seller's name matches the title and registration.
Spot the red flags
- A price well below market value, with pressure to act fast.
- A seller who refuses a video call, an in-person viewing or an independent inspection.
- Requests for payment by wire transfer, gift cards or a third-party "escrow" you did not choose.
- A story about being deployed or overseas and needing to ship the car sight unseen.
Complete the sale safely
See the car in person or send a local mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Pay in a traceable way, ideally at the bank when handling the title. Never send a deposit for a car you have not verified, and never pay in full before the title is in hand.
Before you buy: run a free VIN check to see the specs, open recalls and safety ratings for the exact vehicle, then decide whether a full history report is worth it. Check a VIN.