Craigslist.org, Craigslist car scams, Craigslist used cars, Craigslist car finder, Craigslist scam tips
Right now, you are likely asking yourself, why on earth is this article titled “How to Get Scammed When Buying a Car on Craigslist.” So why is it? Of course, you don’t want to fall victim to a Craigslist car buying scam, but it is easier to avoid these scams when you know what to look for. By knowing how to fall victim to car buying scams on Craigslist.org, you also know how to avoid them.
So, what is the quickest way to get scammed when buying a car on Craigslist?
Paying upfront before you even seen the for sale car. Would you honestly write a check to the grocery store before you ever have a chance to fill-up your shopping cart? Of course not and you should look at car buying on Craigslist the same way. Any Craigslist seller who wants you to pay for a used vehicle upfront is trying to pull a fast one on you. They will likely take your money and run. Never pay until after you have seen the vehicle in question or when you are ready to exchange cash for car.
Believing the picture you see is of the actual car. Most of the time, the picture a car seller posts on Craigslist is the real deal. With that said, most of the car sellers on Craigslist are legitimate; they are trying to sell a car that they actual own. Although the risk is small, you need to be cautious of the few scammers who target the website. Did you know that many frauds take pictures of other vehicles they found posted online and claim that is “their for sale car?” Yes! This really does happen. That is why you should never agree to buy a car or pay for a vehicle upfront until you see that it exists with your own eyes.
Agree to have the car shipped to you even though it was posted for sale on your local Craigslist page. This is a surefire way to fall victim to a Craigslist car buying scam. For starters, why does the seller need to have a third-party company tow the car ten miles down the road? Can’t you just come and pick it up? You should be able to. See, these scammers aren’t really local. In fact, they may be in another country. They just happened to choose your Craigslist city page to implement their scam. Craigslist warns right on their website the dangers of car shipping scams, so don’t fall victim. If you must drive three hours to pickup a car you really like, do it! Make a road trip adventure out of the whole ordeal. To fall victim to a Craigslist car scam, agree to the buyer request for shipping without thinking twice.