When a transaction appears too good to be true that's because it is. By using common sense and taking safety precautions, you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud. If you feel that you have become a victim of fraud, contact your local law enforcement immediately and report all incidents to [email protected].

Confirm the Buyer's Contact Information

• Verify the buyer's street address and phone number.
• Be cautious of buyers who want to purchase your vehicle sight unseen or without asking for more details, especially those buyers located overseas.
• Never complete a transaction where the buyer asks to send a check for more than the sale price and requests that you refund the difference.

Secure Payment
We recommend that you do not transfer the title over to the buyer until you have payment in hand at the agreed upon purchase price.

Verify that Payment is Legitimate
Before you deposit a check, verify authenticity with both your bank and the issuing bank. Make sure that the account contains sufficient funds and the issuing bank guarantees payment. It could take anywhere from one week or longer for the check to clear. Don't assume that it has cleared just because it is deposited into your account. If you send the vehicle before payment has cleared, the check could be fraudulent and then you're out the vehicle and the money.

Things to Do

• Get a phone number - when selling a high value item, ask the buyer for their phone number so you can remain in contact with them throughout the transaction process.
• Keep a record of all details and emails of the transaction - These details will help you if something should go wrong.
• Be patient, trust your gut instinct and conduct a transaction only when you feel comfortable with the expectations and the buyer.