In recent times, individuals attempting to sell their cars online have encountered an emerging scam involving fraudulent "vehicle history report" requests from supposed buyers. While selling a car through platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace is generally straightforward, scammers are exploiting the process by posing as genuine buyers and demanding that sellers purchase vehicle reports from dubious websites. This tactic not only complicates the selling experience but also exposes unsuspecting sellers to potential financial theft and identity fraud.
One vigilant seller, Nick K. from Washington, shared his firsthand experience with this scam, highlighting the subtle but telling signs that raised his suspicions. According to Nick, scammers initiate contact through text messages or emails that appear routine and even friendly. For example, a typical message might read, “1985 F150 Available?” followed by vague but seemingly interested questions like, “When and where would be good for you to meet?” These initial exchanges are crafted to build rapport and trust, convincing the seller that the buyer is legitimate.
The scam takes a more sinister turn when the fake buyer insists on reviewing a specific type of vehicle report before proceeding with the purchase. Nick recounted that the buyer requested an “Auto Smart Report” (ASR), a term unfamiliar to most sellers and not commonly used in legitimate car sales. The scammer provides a link to a professional-looking website that promises a “Complete Vehicle History at Your Fingertips.” Unbeknownst to the seller, this site is fraudulent and designed to harvest credit card information and personal data rather than provide any genuine report.
When sellers hesitate or question the legitimacy of the request, scammers often apply pressure tactics, such as increasing their offer price or emphasizing the reliability of the fake report. In Nick’s case, the scammer raised the offer by $500, trying to entice him to comply. These tactics aim to create a sense of urgency and trust, prompting the seller to click on the link and enter sensitive financial information. Once the payment is made for the bogus report, the supposed buyer vanishes, leaving the seller vulnerable to credit card fraud and identity theft.
This vehicle report scam has been proliferating across various online marketplaces, including Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, targeting the vast number of people who use these platforms to sell vehicles. The scammers’ approach is typically marked by certain warning signs: messages that don’t align with the advertisement’s details, offers exceeding the listed price, vague or nonsensical initial contacts, and insistence on payment through unfamiliar websites. Sellers encountering two or more of these red flags should treat the inquiry with skepticism.
To protect themselves, sellers are advised to avoid clicking on any links sent by potential buyers via text, email, or messaging apps, as these often lead to phishing sites or malware downloads. Keeping devices secure with strong and updated antivirus software is crucial to prevent malicious attacks that could compromise personal information. Cybersecurity expert Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson recommends installing reputable antivirus programs on all devices and conducting regular scans to detect and block threats.
Another important safety measure is to rely only on established and reputable vehicle history report providers such as Carfax, AutoCheck, or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). These services are widely recognized and trusted by buyers and sellers alike. Sellers should include their vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in listings, allowing genuine buyers to obtain reports independently without involving the seller in potentially risky transactions.
In addition to technological safeguards, sellers should consider limiting the amount of personal information available online. Data broker sites compile and distribute personal details that scammers can use to tailor their attacks. Utilizing data removal services can help erase personal data from numerous websites, reducing the chances of being targeted. Although these services cannot guarantee complete removal, they are effective in minimizing exposure and increasing privacy protection.
When interacting with potential buyers, always prioritize safety by meeting in public places equipped with security cameras. Bringing a friend along, keeping your phone charged, and documenting all communications can provide additional layers of protection. If a seller suspects a scam, reporting it to the respective platform and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via reportfraud.ftc.gov helps protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.
If a seller inadvertently provides credit card or personal information to a fraudulent site, it is critical to act quickly by contacting their bank to cancel the compromised card and monitoring accounts for unauthorized transactions. Prompt action can mitigate financial losses and prevent further identity theft.
The success of this scam hinges on the perception that requesting a vehicle history report is a normal and routine part of selling