Online car-buying can be convenient but can also prompt scams

Reporter: Rich Kolko Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News

Car shopping from the comfort of your couch can be convenient but it can also lead to scams.

Everyone wants a good deal on a car, and of course, scammers know this. If the scams are successful, you may get a bad car or no car at all.

Even if you do your part, ask for photos and more information, they respond right away with some sob story about why the car has to be sold at such a great price.

The owner could be in the military and has to deploy soon. Maybe the seller is getting a divorce. The car could belong to a relative who recently died.

Then, they could ask for the car to be paid for using gift cards or with a deposit. That’s how you get scammed.

But, there are good deals out there, just make sure to do your homework first.

  • Make sure to search the seller’s name and information
  • Avoid sellers who will not meet in person
  • Ask for the VIN and current license plate for the car
  • Make sure to inspect the title and lien

This is a growing problem as well. Over a three-year period, the FBI received 30,000 reports of fraud and buyers have reportedly lost $57 million.

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