Don't Get Screwed: Watch Out for Motor Vehicle Title Scams
Karen Matera
Don't Get Screwed: Watch Out for Motor Vehicle Title Scams
Buying a used car is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. You want to make sure you're getting a good deal on a reliable vehicle. One area where scammers love to lurk is with motor vehicle titles. A fraudulent title can lead to a whole lot of headaches down the road, so it's important to be aware of the common scams and how to protect yourself.
Here are some of the red flags to watch out for:
Fake Titles: This one seems obvious, but scammers can be very good at creating counterfeits. Check for signs of tampering on a paper title, like erasures, misspellings, or strange fonts.
Salvage Title Shenanigans: A car with a salvage title has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. These vehicles are much cheaper, but scammers might try to pass one off as having a clean title. Be wary of sellers who seem overly eager to avoid a title inspection.
Title Jumping: In this scam, the seller (often an unlicensed dealer) never registers the car in their name before selling it to you. This means you're on the hook for any back taxes or fees, and you might have trouble registering the car yourself.
VIN Mishaps: The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is like the car's fingerprint. Scammers might try to swap the VIN from a wrecked car onto a better-looking one. Always check that the VIN on the title matches the one on the car itself.
How to Protect Yourself:
Get a History Report: Run a vehicle history report to check for accidents, salvage titles, and other issues.
Use a Title Verification Service: Some states offer title verification services, which can help you confirm the title's legitimacy.
Reach out to a Title professional Before finalizing the sale, have the title checked out by the They can verify its authenticity and make sure there aren't any liens on the vehicle.
Never Pay in Cash: Use a secure payment method like a cashier's check or money order. This will give you a paper trail in case something goes wrong.
By following these tips, you can avoid becoming a victim of a motor vehicle title scam. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal if you have any doubts about the title or the seller.
Happy (and Scam-Free) Car Buying!