Tips to Avoid Scams

Avoid falling victim to online scams by following the rules below:

Use common-sense in buying or selling your car

Deal with local buyers only - Serious buyers will always be willing to meet with you in person.
Never wire funds to a buyer - No legitimate financial transaction will ever involve sending funds via wire transfer.
Watch for fake cashier checks or money orders - You will be held responsible for the fraudulent documents.
Never give a seller your financial information - The buyer has absolutely no need to know your financial information.
Avoid shipping and escrow services - Remember, you're dealing with the buyer in person, right?
Beware of overly-formal emails with poor grammar - Many fraudulent emails come from outside North America.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is - You are in control of the purchase

Remember, AutoFerret.com does NOT buy cars, sell cars or endorse individual buyers or sellers.

Report potential scams

Help keep others from falling victim to internet scams. You can report scams to the following authorities:

FTC toll free: 877-FTC-HELP
FTC online: http://www.ftc.gov
Internet Fraud Complaint Center: http://www.ic3.gov
Local Police Department: Use the non-emergency number for your local police department

In addition, please report all scams to AutoFerret.com. Include the text of any messages received in your report.

Examples of Past Scams

Hello, Am Tom Coleman from Utah,US and i came across your advert for your car and am interested in buying it,and please let me know the final price.As for payment do let me know if you do accept certified check for payment,i want you to know that i will wait until my check is cleared before i have my car,and i will be in charge of the shipment. hope to hear from you

HELLO, How you doing, i saw your item on here and i will like to tell you that i have interest in your item and how much you want to sell it for me last .i need it urgently..dont bother your self, i will handle the shipping by my shipping company..okay Kindly get back to me as soon as possible. Thanks and await your quick mail. Regards, stephen

Hello...im interested in your car and would like to know if its still available for sale..im okay with the price and i will be taking care of the shipping with my shipping company..I will also be paying with a certified check..Get back to me if my conditions are okay with you so we can proceed..Thanx and God bless.

Parts adapted from rules for avoiding scams and fraud.