How to Not Get Scammed

Caveat Emptor
“The principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.”

YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING IF A BUYER, SELLER, CAR or PART IS LEGITIMATE

  • Do your homework
  • Talk to the buyer or seller on the phone, or better yet, in person
  • Alternatively do a video call
  • If that is not possible find someone in the area who can do it for you 
  • Get photos and videos.  Photos can be stolen so validate the photos are theirs, ie. include a business card or drivers license in the photo for example
  • Don’t send money without being 100% certain you are going to get the car or part you expect
  • Don’t assume payment is legitimate. Speak to your bank representative to be sure the funds have been deposited.
DO NOT GIVE YOUR CARS OR PARTS AWAY UNTIL YOU 
ARE 100% CERTAIN THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE!
 

USE COMMON SENSE!

SELLER RED FLAGS:

  • The item/price is too good to be true  (It probably is)
  • They don’t know anything about the item
  • They can’t talk on the phone
  • They can’t take photos
  • The item is in another location
  • They insist on ONLY communicating via email, text messages or other services like FB messenger or WhatsApp.
  • Payment is their primary conversation and priority.
  • Payment method is shady.  (western union, bitcoin, etc.)
  • Payment is to be sent via PayPal or a cash app, but to a different email or phone 
  • They want a downpayment NOW because they have another buyer they’ll sell it to if you don’t.
  • They don’t want a check mailed to them, ie because they wont give you an address
  • It belongs to their long lost second cousin/grandmother/neighbor/friend
  • They’re in the military and the item is on a transport
  • Seller pulls your heartstrings because they need the money
  • They are unwilling to provide a tracking number as part of the sale

BUYER RED FLAGS:

  • They don’t ask you about the vehicle or part
  • They send more money than asked, and want you to send money back
  • They can’t talk on the phone
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