Before meeting
- Ask for the VIN, title status, maintenance records, and the seller’s name.
- Compare the name on the title with the seller’s identification.
- Check recalls, liens, title brands, and vehicle history through authoritative services.
- Walk away from pressure, unusual urgency, remote-payment demands, or prices that do not make sense.
At the vehicle
- Meet in daylight at a public location or established dealership.
- Bring another person and tell someone where you are going.
- Confirm the VIN on the dashboard, door label, title, and records.
- Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
- Test drive only with permission, proper licensing, and insurance.
Payment and title
- Do not use gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or verification codes with an unverified party.
- Use a bank or other controlled setting for large payments.
- Complete required title, bill-of-sale, registration, tax, and odometer paperwork.
- Do not accept overpayments or forward money to a transporter or third party.
Report concerns
Use “Report listing” on the vehicle page for suspicious or inaccurate content. For an immediate threat, contact local emergency services. Marketplace reports are not a replacement for law-enforcement or consumer-protection reports.