Online Car Auctions Can Take You for a Ride
The Internet has provided the public with a useful and
convenient tool that makes it easier to do all manner of things
than it used to be. One of these things, oddly enough, is the
sale of motor vehicles. It seems strange that cars would sell
well on the Web, as one would think that buyers would want to
"kick the tires" before making a purchase. The success of eBay
Motors, AutoTrader and other online sites devoted to the sale of
motor vehicles would suggest otherwise, as business at those
sites is thriving.
Consumers who wish to purchase a
vehicle online should be aware of a popular scam perpetrated by
crooks who wish to steal your money - the wire transfer scam.
The seller offers a vehicle for sale that he or she doesn't
really have; they often just post a stock photo or one they
found somewhere. The sellers often indicate that they are
located in Europe, and they insist on a wire transfer, such as
Western Union, for payment. Once the buyer sends the money, the
seller vanishes, never to be heard from again.
This scam
has been going on for some time, and most of the online auto
auction sites encourage their customers never to pay for a
vehicle using a wire transfer, even if the seller promises to
use escrow to ensure the safety of the transaction.
Here
are a few tips for those people who are shopping for a vehicle
online:
Ask the seller if you can stop by and see
the vehicle in person. Someone who doesn't actually have the
vehicle in his or her possession will almost certainly refuse.
Even if you have no intention of paying a visit, just asking to
see it could be useful.
Watch out for auctions
that feature stock photos or photos from brochures. Anyone with
a real car to sell should be able to take a picture of
it.
Beware of any seller who will only accept a
wire transfer for payment.
Beware of a seller
who says the vehicle is in another country but offers to pay the
shipping to the United States. This is a common ruse used by
scammers in other countries.
Watch out for a
vehicle that is offered for sale at a price that seems too
inexpensive for the model. A $25,000 car offered for $10,000
should set off bells in your head.
If on eBay,
check the seller's transaction history to see if they have a
record of actually selling vehicles. Scammers sometimes hack
into eBay user accounts and sell using the name of another,
established user. If the seller is selling a Harley but has a
history of only buying compact discs, watch
out.
While buying a vehicle through online auction
sites is a good way to purchase one, buyers should exercise the
same cautions as when they buy anything else on the Internet. If
you are buying an expensive item and you are not familiar with
the seller, be careful.