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6 Tips for Selling Your Car Without Getting Scammed
updated: Jan 14, 2025
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* podcast transcript
EVA
OK, so you’re finally ready to sell your car. You’ve given it a good wash, maybe even taken some of those, what do they call them, glamour shots for the online listings. And you’re basically just waiting for like the offers to come pouring in. But, and this is a big but, before you hand over those keys, we are diving into some seriously important tips today that could, no joke, save you from a world of trouble selling a car yourself. I’m telling you.
MAX
Tell me about it. It’s like it’s a minefield out there.
EVA
It really is.
MAX
It really is. Gone are the days when you could just like slap a for sale sign on your car and like park it somewhere, right and and wait for the best offer. You basically have to become like this mini car dealership. You’re not only doing the sales, but you got to handle like all the security stuff too.
EVA
Yeah. And that, I mean, that’s exactly why this article that we’re diving into today is such a good one to like really breakdown. It’s called 6 Tips for Selling Your Car Without Getting Scammed.
MAX
Oh, I like it.
EVA
And like right off the bat, right, scam prevention, that’s what we’re talking about today. So listen up everybody, because today we are going to make sure that you can sell your car privately and safely. So the article, it jumps right into this point that honestly, like as soon as I read, I was like, oof, I didn’t even think about this. OK, it’s ID verification.
MAX
Oh wow.
EVA
They even say like seasoned scammers will use fake IDs to try and, you know, earn your trust. Of course, which is? I don’t know about you, but that makes me a little uneasy.
MAX
Oh 100% I mean think about it, you are basically like trusting this stranger with like thousands of dollars it.
EVA
Was a big deal.
MAX
Huge. So yeah, meeting them face to face and making sure that you see their ID, that’s not just like a good idea, it’s essential. You have to.
EVA
That’s so easy to just, you know, get caught up in the excitement. Right. Exactly. Like, oh, someone’s actually interested in my car. Yeah. Yeah. And and forget those precautions, you know, And like, it even says here to meet in a public place. Oh, for sure. Like a really busy parking lot. Yes. Maybe even outside a police station if you want to be like, right. Extra safe.
MAX
Extra safe. Exactly. Yeah. And honestly like if it makes you feel more comfortable, bring a friend along too.
EVA
Oh, good idea, yeah.
MAX
Like, why not? It’s always good to have backup.
EVA
Yeah, safety and numbers.
MAX
Exactly. Speaking of having your back, let’s talk about the bill of sale.
EVA
Oh.
MAX
Yeah, because this, this is where you know, things can get little dicey.
EVA
This is important.
MAX
Super important. The article talks about how some buyers will like, try to use their own bill of sale. Oh, sneaky, right? Or they’ll try to like sneak in some last minute changes. And it’s just like, hold on a second, like you really need to remember that this document, this is like the backbone of the entire transaction. Like legally speaking, this is what protects you and the buyer.
EVA
So it’s not just like a formality. No, it’s really important.
MAX
It’s like, you know when you make a deal with someone and you shake on it, this is like the legal version of that handshake.
EVA
I like.
MAX
That I don’t want to have a like a flimsy handshake, right? You want it to be firm. You want it to be good and the article even says to like actually do your research ahead of time. Oh, so you can make sure that you have a bill of sale? It’s like legally sound smart and follows all the rules for your state.
EVA
Good to know. And Speaking of things that you don’t want to catch you off guard, we have to talk about payments.
MAX
Oh yes, the big one.
EVA
Because this article, it does not hold back. Yeah, it paints a very, I’m going to say unsettling picture of like handing over your car, getting a check, thinking everything’s good, and then boom, that check bounces.
MAX
Oh, the worst.
EVA
And your car is long.
MAX
Gone. It’s just the worst. You know, there’s that saying. Like if it seems too good to be true.
EVA
Oh yeah.
MAX
It probably is and that definitely applies here. It was going to be careful with those like really tempting offers, like if they’re waving around a stack of cash or they’re like, oh, don’t worry, I’ve got a check or a money order or anything like that. Just like proceed with caution. Be careful. Be very careful.
EVA
It’s funny you should say that, because this whole time I’ve been thinking about that anecdote. Yeah, about the fake IDs, you know, right. And it’s like, how am I supposed to spot a fake check?
MAX
That’s a good question.
EVA
Like I’m not a bank teller you.
MAX
Know. Yeah, no, it’s, it’s really tricky. And honestly, the scammers are like, they’re always like one step ahead. I know it feels like that sometimes. So it’s good to like, be aware of those common things they do, you know, like check the watermarks, that kind of thing. Oh.
EVA
OK, good to know. Good to.
MAX
Know yeah you basically have to become like a like an amateur detective all right when you’re when you’re selling your car privately it’s like.
EVA
I never thought of it like that. So OK, we’ve talked about they like meeting in person, the ID, all that. What about test drives though? OK.
MAX
So test drives.
EVA
Because on the one hand, you kind of have to.
MAX
Yeah, you have to.
EVA
Let them drive the car. But also like, isn’t that a risk in itself?
MAX
It is, yeah. The article talks about that. It’s like this, like balancing act. You got to give the buyer the experience, but then you also have to think about like, your own safety.
EVA
Right, of course.
MAX
And making sure that like the car is safe.
EVA
So how do I actually do that though? Like how do I find that balance?
MAX
So one thing they say is like no matter what, do not do not let him just take the car alone.
EVA
Oh, that’s a good.
MAX
Point like don’t do it for so many reasons, right? Like you don’t know who this person is. You don’t know they’re like driving history, like who knows? Good point. So just like, go with them.
EVA
I feel like, OK, so this whole time I was thinking that I would send my, like, husband. Oh yeah. But you’re saying no, like I need to be there too.
MAX
Huh. Yeah, I think honestly, the more the merrier. You know, bring a friend, bring your husband, whoever you need to like. Feel safe.
EVA
Yeah, safety in numbers, right?
MAX
Exactly. Exactly.
EVA
Plus, then you can, like you know, point out all the car’s best features.
MAX
Exactly. Be your own salesperson.
EVA
OK, I like it. I like it. OK, So let’s say like we’ve done all that, everything’s going well, they want to buy the car.
MAX
OK.
EVA
This is a big one payment.
MAX
How? Yeah, this is this is the important.
EVA
Part How do we make sure that we actually get our money?
SPK_2
OK, so the article is very clear about this full payment. Yeah, upfront, OK, no exceptions.
EVA
Now hold on a second, because what if they say yeah, Oh well, I can only do like a payment plan or I’m going to give you a deposit.
MAX
Yeah, I know, I know. It’s tempting, right? Yeah, but you got to, you got to stand your ground. You are not a bank.
EVA
That’s true. I’m not a bank.
MAX
Right. You’re not in the business of, like, giving out loans? Yeah.
EVA
Yeah, no, you’re right. You’re right. It’s just you want to be nice, right? But I also don’t want to get like scammed.
SPK_2
Exactly. And that’s the thing like you are protecting yourself from like so many headaches if you just say Nope, full payment upfront.
EVA
Yeah, because I always think that it’s about like getting the money, but it’s also.
SPK_2
Like it’s about setting those boundaries.
EVA
It’s about, yeah, the tone of the whole.
SPK_2
Transaction.
EVA
Exactly. Yeah. You’re a professional. You’re running a business, even if it’s just for like this one transaction.
MAX
I’m the CEO of selling this car.
EVA
There you go. Love that.
MAX
Wait, there’s there’s more paperwork after I’ve gotten rid of the car?
EVA
It’s easy to think that, yeah.
MAX
I honestly, I really didn’t even. I didn’t even consider that.
EVA
You think, OK, the car is gone, I’m done? Yeah, but legally speaking, not so fast.
MAX
OK, so break this down for me. Like why? Why is this DMV notification such a big deal?
EVA
All right, so let’s say the new owner, right? They get into an accident or like, knock on wood, nothing shady, but you never know, right? Right, let’s say they use your old car for something, you know? Oh, no, a little illegal, right? Oh, without that notification, you could be held liable. Oh, wow. I’m starting to see why this is important. OK, so it’s not just about getting the car gone. It’s like my name needs to be off the paperwork too.
MAX
Exactly. Exactly.
EVA
OK, so like how do I? What do I even do?
MAX
Well, think of it like, OK, you’re watching like a spy movie.
EVA
Right, I like where this is going.
MAX
And they’ve completed the mission, but they’re not done yet. They need to like, totally disappear, change their identity. That’s basically what notifying the DMV is. It’s that last step.
EVA
It’s like the post credit scene that wraps up the whole all the loose ends. OK so I need to become a ghost basically.
MAX
Exactly, you got it. But you’re right, you did mention it varies by state.
EVA
It does, yeah.
MAX
So like some states they want you to like fill out a form some are cool with online just easiest thing honestly, check your state’s DMV website or even just call them honestly they’re usually pretty good about helping out with this stuff They’re.
EVA
Surprisingly helpful sometimes.
MAX
Yeah, right. So bottom line, protecting yourself even after the car is out of your hands.
EVA
OK.
MAX
Close that loop.
EVA
Close the loop. All right, so we’ve covered so much today. It’s like a lot to think about, but like, in a good way.
MAX
Right, it’s good to be prepared.
EVA
Yeah, so we talked about meeting in person, like actually checking IDs.
MAX
Which so important people forget.
EVA
That so important, right? Meeting in a safe place? Yes. Making sure our bill of sale is like legit and following up with the DMV.
MAX
All of that. And you know what else don’t forget? Yeah. Trust your gut. Oh, if something feels off, Yeah, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to like, walk away.
EVA
Walk away, even if you’re, like, desperate to get rid of this car. Yeah. Which, like, we’ve all been there. Oh, yeah. Trust your gut. I like that. This was great. This was so helpful because you’re right. It is like empowering to know.
MAX
Right knowledge is power.
EVA
Yeah, to know all of these like little details.
MAX
Yeah, you’re not walking in blind.
EVA
Not walking in blind. All right. Well, thank you of.
MAX
Course of course. Happy to help.
EVA
I feel much more prepared to sell my car now.
MAX
There you go. And hey, who knows, you might even like avoid a scam. Have some extra cash to like treat yourself now.
EVA
That’s a good thought. OK, I like it.
MAX
All right, sounds good.
EVA
Well, this has been another episode of the deep dive the.
MAX
Deep dive, see you next time.
When it comes to selling your car, your goal is clear: to do it quickly, safely, and for the best price possible. However, as highlighted in the video above, there are plenty of shady characters out there who would love to derail your plans. With the rise of online platforms for buying and selling, the risk of encountering scammers, thieves, and con artists has only increased. But fear not! By following these six critical steps, you can navigate the car selling process with confidence and avoid falling victim to fraud.
How to Avoid Scams When Selling Your Car
1. Verify the Buyer’s ID
It might feel a bit intrusive, but asking to see the buyer’s ID is a smart and necessary step. Write down all the details from their license. Even though seasoned scammers might have fake IDs, having this information can be critical if issues arise later, such as a bounced check or other fraudulent activities. This small step can provide a layer of accountability that can deter potential scammers.
There is also nothing wrong with asking for the buyers address. If they hesitate giving it to you might want to find someone who is more transparent for such an important transaction.
2. Meet in Person
While the convenience of online transactions is tempting, it’s also where scammers thrive. Avoid dealing with buyers who are out of state or who propose completing the transaction entirely online. Always arrange to meet in a safe, public location like a busy parking lot or a police station. Bringing a friend or family member with you can add an extra layer of security. In-person meetings help you verify the buyer’s intentions and reduce the risk of fraud.
3. Use Your Own Bill of Sale
A Bill of Sale is a crucial document for any car sale, as it serves as a legal record of the transaction. Different states have varying requirements for what this document must include. Be cautious of buyers who offer their own Bill of Sale, want to make changes to yours, or request false information. Insist on using your own, accurate document. This ensures that all the information is correct and that you are not inadvertently agreeing to terms that could be problematic later.
4. Handle Payments with Care
Be extremely cautious with payment methods. Personal checks are particularly risky, as they can bounce after you’ve handed over the car. Money orders, bank checks, and even cash can be counterfeit. Educate yourself on how to identify fake currency by using online resources and tutorials. If you suspect anything fishy, discreetly contact authorities. Avoid fake escrow services; scammers may use them to trick you into thinking the transaction is secure. If you prefer using an escrow service, choose and set it up yourself. Never hand over your car or sign any documents until your bank confirms that the payment has cleared.
5. Be Cautious with Test Drives
Test drives are a necessary part of selling a car, but they also pose risks. Meet the buyer in a public place and plan a specific route for the test drive. Never allow the buyer to take the car out alone, regardless of how trustworthy they seem or what collateral they offer. Always accompany them during the test drive. This not only ensures that your car stays safe but also allows you to answer any questions the buyer might have about the vehicle.
6. Insist on Full Payment
You are not a bank or a car dealership, so you are under no obligation to offer payment plans. Insist on full payment before handing over the car. This protects you from future legal issues or liabilities related to the car. No matter how convincing or friendly the buyer seems, requiring full payment up front ensures that you complete the transaction safely and securely.
Trust Your Instincts
Your best defense is your own intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to walk away from the deal. Trusting your gut can save you from a potentially bad transaction. Remember, there will always be other buyers, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Selling your car can be a quick, safe, and profitable process if you follow these tips. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and you’ll navigate the car-selling process with confidence and peace of mind.
