Be alert for car scams

BBB's auto HQ

Make wise choices when buying and selling cars with help from BBB.

Stay safe in the automotive world with BBB's tips on avoiding car-related scams, from fraudulent sales to fake vehicle title scams. Learn how to protect yourself and make secure decisions with confidence.

A vehicle sits in deep water after a river overflows following record breaking rainfall.

10 Tips to avoid buying flood damaged cars

Flooding problems may lead to scam artists attempting to pawn off flood-damaged vehicles as standard secondhand cars. BBB has the following tips for car shoppers to determine if a used car is flood-damaged.

Is that car flood-damaged? 10 ways to check

Buy And Sell Car Insurance Online On Phone

If that car deal is too-good-to-be-true, skip it

Used cars continue to be in demand, and scammers know it. Con artists bait buyers with a great price and a surprise "transport fee."

Don't fall for a fake "transport fee"

Avoid the car-buying "yo-yo"

The FTC and BBB want consumers to have a smooth, honest, safe transaction when making a major purchase, such as that of a new vehicle.

FTC and BBB: Solid car-buying tips

Car Insurance document or lease concept the car broker assisting his customer and explaining the detail of the car contact. Car key Buying or selling signing .

Vehicle title reports: Don't pay just anyone

If you are selling your car or truck, a potential buyer may ask to see a vehicle history report. It’s usually a reasonable request, but it’s also the premise of a scam. BBB Scam Tracker is receiving reports of a con that tricks sellers into purchasing vehicle history reports through scam sites.

Avoid vehicle history report scams

Know the signs of a vehicle transport scam

Moving is stressful, expensive, and time-consuming! That makes it a perfect opportunity for scammers. If you are relocating and need help transporting your vehicle, watch out for this scam.

How to spot a vehicle transport scam

Exchange money and car keys. Insurance, loan concept. Deal of buying or renting a car

Avoiding illegal car sales known as curbstoning

Car sellers who sell vehicles via curbside, vacant parking lots, or online posts, curbstoners are able to avoid paying taxes and following mandated consumer protection laws, such as Lemon Laws. Curbstoners often offer these vehicles at great prices, creating an enticing offer for car shoppers.

What's curbstoning? Know the signs

Cash-strapped drivers scammed with fake gas gift cards

Even if high gas prices are draining your budget, don’t fall for this scam. Scammers are tempting drivers with phony gas station gift cards. It's really a way to get your credit card details and other personal information.

How to avoid prize scams

Additional auto resources

Happy multiracial couple receiving keys of their new car from saleswoman in showroom.

BBB's guide to car scam prevention