🚗 AVOIDING SCAMS WHEN BUYING A CAR

We recently heard from a longtime customer who was sold a stolen car and now risks losing the money he paid for it. Unfortunately, car scams are common, but you can protect yourself!

Follow these steps to ensure you're making a safe purchase:

🛡️ Essential Pre-Purchase Checks

• Check the VIN for Stolen or Salvage Status: Use the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VinCheck system to see if the car has been reported stolen or declared salvage.

• Get a Vehicle History Report: Purchase a report from a service like CarFax. This reveals:

  • Accident history.

  • Existing liens on the vehicle.

  • Odometer history (to prevent fraud where mileage is lowered to raise the price).

• Verify the Seller and Title:

  • The seller's name on the title must match their photo ID.

  • Check the title for a "Lienholder." If one is listed, ensure there is an official lien release.

• Compare All VINs: Make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title matches the VIN on the windshield and the driver-side door jam.

• Get a Professional Inspection: Hire a mechanic to inspect the car before buying it. This prevents you from purchasing a defective vehicle.

These are important tips but most importantly, trust your instincts and like many things in life, if the price is too good to be true…it probably is.