Avoid Car-Selling Scams

Avoid Car-Selling Scams (NAPSA)—TheInternet makes it easy to shop for the best bargain on a used car—just remember, an offer that seems “too good to be true” probablyis. It may come from someone known as a “curbstoner.” These are illegal dealers who pose as individual sellers online and mostly deal with cars that reputable dealers won’t touch. Beware of buying a used car online, sight unseen. You may get one with severe damage from floods, accidents and thelike. You may see cheap prices but the cars generally have major problems you're not told about, such as flood damage, bad accidents or odometer problems. Some may even have a different Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a trick used by thieves to hide the true identity of stolen cars. Lookfor: 1.Strange marksor scratches on the dashboard VIN plate or sticker inside the driver’s side door. 2.Any car documents where the VIN looksaltered. 3.Multiple VINs on different pieces of paperwork. 4. The seller’s name not appear- ing on cartitle or registration. What to do: Shop online at a place like carfax.com. Every car for sale there comes with a free Carfax Vehicle History Report. Also have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle and always see the car in person.