Car sale scams and how to avoid them

The most common scam against private car sellers is the fake check overpayment. It can cost you the money and the car.

How the fake check scam works

1. A "buyer" contacts you, says they live out of the area and can't see the car.
2. They send a check for more than your asking price.
3. They say it was a mistake and ask you to send back the difference.
4. Your bank makes the money available, but weeks later the check bounces as fake. You owe the bank what you sent.

How to protect yourself

• Never accept a check for more than the selling price.
• Never send money back to someone who says they overpaid.
• Never use money from a check to buy gift cards or money orders, send cryptocurrency or wire money.
• Meet in person in a public place, such as a bank or police station parking lot.
• For a cashier's check, call the issuing bank yourself at a number you look up, not one the buyer gives you.
• Don't hand over the title or keys until the money is safely in your account.

Report a suspected scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.