{"id":12265,"date":"2021-06-26T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2021-06-26T16:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/blog\/?p=12265"},"modified":"2021-06-21T15:14:17","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T22:14:17","slug":"car-buying-scams-what-to-watch-out-for-when-purchasing-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/car-buying-scams-what-to-watch-out-for-when-purchasing-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Buying Scams: What to Watch Out For When Purchasing a Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB)<\/a>, fake online auto sale scams are growing, with victims losing millions of dollars. Scammers use the pandemic<\/a> as an excuse not to meet buyers in person and avoid actual car inspection, increasing the chances of these types of scams succeeding.\u00a0That\u2019s why we\u2019re sharing the different types of car buying scams and how you can avoid them. If you want to protect your investment and stay alert with auto scams<\/a>, check out the article below.<\/p>\n

Types of Car Buying Scams<\/h2>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-gustavo-fring-4173194-scaled.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”off” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”center” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

As more people purchase cars and other vehicles, scammers become more eager to meet their next victim behind their computers. Below are the different types of auto scams that you must learn to avoid:<\/p>\n

Fake Classified Ads<\/h3>\n

A common scammers\u2019 technique includes posting images<\/a> that match the description of the car or vehicle and providing a phone number<\/a> or email address so you can contact them if you\u2019re interested in the model. Once you do, the scammer will send more images and offer the vehicle at a relatively low price because they need the payment as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

These scam artists usually say that the owner of the vehicle died or that they are moving to another country. Others say they\u2019re deployed in the military<\/a> or that they acquired the car from a divorce settlement. However, once you agree to pay them, thinking that you\u2019ve just made a great investment, the scammer<\/a> ignores your messages, calls, and emails. No vehicle is delivered, leaving you devastated and financially drained.<\/p>\n

Defective Car Scams<\/h3>\n

Another common scam includes defective used cars. You\u2019re so excited to use it, but the moment you hit the road, the engine blows up or malfunctions. Most scammers<\/a> will offer the vehicle at such a competitive price that you think you got the best deal. However, offers that are too good to be true are often a scam.<\/p>\n

Others will repair the vehicle, but they\u2019re just band-aid solutions. After a few weeks, you will have the same problem with your vehicle. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to have an actual inspection of the car before deciding to purchase it. Scammers may act thoughtful and friendly, but their only goal is to gain money from you.<\/a><\/p>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-8425401-scaled.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”off” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”center” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Auto Warranty Scams<\/h3>\n

Auto warranty scams are also common, with scammers calling and pretending to be car dealer representatives. Then, they will inform you about the nearing expiration of your auto insurance or warranty, urging you to renew the policy.<\/p>\n

These prerecorded or automated calls tell you to press a specific number<\/a> and then share your personal details. While scammers may give particular information about your vehicle and its warranty, making you think they\u2019re legitimate, do not make the mistake of providing your personal data.<\/p>\n

Escrow Scams<\/h3>\n

Scammers will ask you to send your payment<\/a> through a third-party shipping company. To convince you that you\u2019re transferring your money to a credible account, they will either make their own fake escrow accounts, or they will imitate legitimate businesses.<\/p>\n

Note that scammers also often use the name of eBay<\/a> and even send fake invoices from the company. However, in reality, eBay\u2019s protection<\/a> is only applicable to products with all transactions performed on the platform.<\/p>\n

How To Avoid Car Buying Scams<\/h2>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-aleksandar-pasaric-4512439-scaled.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”off” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”center” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Given that fraudsters apply different techniques to perform auto scams, you should know how to avoid them by considering the steps below:<\/p>\n