Cars.com’s user-friendly platform connects millions of prospective buyers with private sellers. It offers features that make finding the right car easy, but once you do, you’ll be on your own. To avoid car-buyer scams while shopping Cars.com, you’ll need some outside help.
DealNow gives you self-serve technology for safe, quick vehicle transactions. Find a car on Cars.com—finish strong with DealNow.
We’ll help you avoid scams, spot seller red flags, and show you the safest way to buy your dream car.
When buying through Cars.com, your first challenge is confirming that you’re dealing with a legitimate seller. The platform lets vehicle sellers list their cars, but it’s up to you to verify who you’re dealing with.
Most verification methods are awkward and imperfect. Meeting at a seller’s home exposes you to risk, and asking strangers for their ID is uncomfortable for everyone. Some buyers turn to consumer protection services or background checks, but these are expensive and time-consuming. Others rely on consumer reviews, but these can be manipulated.
DealNow eliminates these verification headaches. When you find a car on Cars.com, invite the seller to a DealNow dealroom. Both parties undergo identity verification during account creation, so you know the seller is using their legal identity. Our platform keeps your contact information private while enabling secure communication between verified sellers and buyers.
An accurate vehicle history report is your next defense against scams. Fraudulent sellers often pressure potential buyers to skip this step, but don’t fall for it. Without proper verification, you could end up buying stolen property, a salvage title vehicle, or a car with serious hidden damage.
A detailed report of the vehicle reveals:
To get a report, you’ll need the vehicle identification number (VIN). Avoid sellers who won’t provide the VIN or make excuses about sharing it. Reputable sellers understand that sharing the VIN is a normal part of selling a vehicle.
Some scammers provide counterfeit vehicle history reports or tamper with documentation to hide problems. Always get reports from trusted providers of vehicle history information.
DealNow lets you order a vehicle history report right from your dashboard with just a couple of clicks.
Never skip the inspection or test drive. These steps help you avoid buying a defective vehicle. A legitimate seller will welcome an inspection and test drive.
When meeting to see the car, follow these safety practices:
During your inspection:
Even if you’re knowledgeable about cars, getting a professional inspection is worth the investment. A mechanic can spot issues you might miss and provide documentation of the car’s condition at the time of sale.
DealNow makes it easy to schedule inspections and test drives. The seller sets their availability, and you choose a time slot from the list. No awkward back and forth or time-wasting conversations. If you find an out-of-state car, our platform simplifies long-distance purchases. Choose an inspection time, and let our third-party mechanical inspector phone you in while they check the car. If you like it, the inspector doubles as your agent to handle paperwork and coordinate shipping.
Look for a clean title in the seller’s name, current registration, and maintenance history, and check that the details match the history report and the car’s VIN. The majority of vehicle listings should come with proper documentation ready to show.
Every piece of documentation should tell a consistent story about the car’s history. Be suspicious if you notice:
A legitimate seller will have their paperwork in order and ready to show. Be wary if the seller claims missing documentation is “nothing to worry about” or promises to mail you paperwork later.
Title problems must be resolved before you pay. Some sellers may pressure you to complete the sale with promises to “handle the paperwork later.” Don’t fall for it—without proper documentation, you could end up with a car you can’t legally register.
DealNow’s optional title check verifies the car’s status and confirms the seller’s ownership. Our platform provides secure document storage and sharing, making it easy to review all paperwork before meeting in person.
When two strangers try to exchange a car for money, there’s an inherent trust problem: you want to be sure you’ll get the car before paying, and the seller wants to get paid before signing over the title. This creates a catch-22.
Some people turn to third-party services to solve this dilemma. An escrow service can hold funds until both parties fulfill their obligations, but beware—scammers create fake escrow company websites to steal your money. While escrow scams are rare, these services are always expensive and time-consuming.
A better solution is a bill of sale (or agreement of sale). This legally binding document outlines all transaction details:
You could print two copies and meet to sign them, but paper bills of sale have several problems:
DealNow solves these problems through digital documentation. Both parties sign a digital bill of sale in our app before money changes hands. Your bill of sale is safely stored in the cloud—protected from loss, theft, or tampering. Because we’ve verified both parties’ identities, you know you have the seller’s legal name on a binding document that protects your purchase
Cars.com can help you with financing, but it’s up to you to get the money to the seller. Scammers will accept your payment and disappear. Never use a seller-recommended escrow service without verifying it, and never send money without a bill of sale.
With DealNow, you get the car and finish the deal without any payment drama. Since we verified the seller’s ID and you both signed a bill of sale, you know the seller is legit and will follow through on their end.
Before shopping for cars for sale, familiarize yourself with these scams so you can avoid them.
Scammers provide fake or altered reports to hide problems. They might send counterfeit vehicle history reports or manipulate legitimate ones to conceal accident history or other issues. Always get reports from trusted providers of vehicle history information.
The seller recommends an escrow service. After you transfer your money, the seller disappears or claims they never received confirmation. The scammer controlled the escrow the whole time.
The seller lists an attractive vehicle at a great price, but claims they have multiple interested parties. They pressure you to wire a deposit to “hold” the car, often requesting payment through non-traditional methods. Once you send the deposit, the scammer disappears.
Fraudsters use car listings to collect personal information. They might request your credit report or sensitive details for “verification purposes.” Their real goal is stealing your identity.
Criminals sell stolen vehicles using VINs copied from legally registered non-recreational, non-commercial vehicles. They create counterfeit documents that seem legitimate and may even provide fake auto history checks.
Sellers advertise cars with supposedly minor issues that “just need” an inexpensive repair. In reality, the stated problem often masks major mechanical issues. They’re hoping to offload a problematic car before you discover the true cost.
Don’t become another marketplace scam statistic. DealNow is the perfect security solution for private-party car sales. Our platform’s verification process deters scammers while making legitimate transactions smooth and secure.
When shopping through auto-buying platforms, watch for these warning signs that could indicate scams.
One or two red flags might indicate an inexperienced seller. But when multiple warning signs appear, walk away. The majority of vehicle listings are legitimate—there’s no need to risk dealing with a suspicious seller.
Imagine a transaction platform that protects prospective buyers from scams without sacrificing convenience or speed. We created DealNow to be the ultimate solution for turning risky deals into safe, smooth transactions.
From initial contact to final paperwork, we provide the tools and protection you need to buy a car on Cars.com confidently and safely. Our platform deters scammers while making legitimate transactions smooth and secure.
Rather than relying on the basic purple search box, use Cars.com’s advanced search options to filter listings. Set specific parameters for your price range and vehicle requirements. Cross-reference prices with market guides to spot suspiciously low offers. Your initial search should also filter by seller type (private seller vs dealer) depending on your preference.
Start with Kelley Blue Book to understand fair market value. Check online marketplaces to compare similar cars in your area, and factor in the car’s condition and any modifications to determine what you’re willing to pay.
Never share your social security number or other sensitive details with private sellers. Professional scammers might charm you into a false sense of security that leads to careless information sharing. Use DealNow’s secure platform to protect your private data while verifying both parties’ identities.
Be wary of dealers pushing expensive packages with ridiculous dealer add-ons. While some security packages offer value, many are just ways to inflate the ‘out-the-door’ price. Compare the actual features included—many protection package items can be purchased separately for less. We recommend skipping the dealership and buying from a private party. You can filter out dealer listings on Cars.com. When you find the right car, finish with DealNow.
Join automotive online communities for peer support, such as Reddit. Many offer buying cheat sheets and maintain lists of known scammers. These groups often share consumer reviews and experiences with specific dealers, helping you avoid absurd dealership scam attempts.
The Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation enforces odometer laws to protect consumers from odometer fraud. If you suspect a false odometer reading, file a police report and contact this federal government office. DealNow’s verification process helps prevent such issues by thoroughly documenting mileage during the transaction.
A vehicle history report shows ownership changes, service records, and accidents. Be wary of shady sellers who won’t share this information or if the number of previous owners seems inconsistent with the car’s age.
Professional vehicle inspections are necessary. Have a certified mechanic check the engine, transmission, frame, and electrical systems. They can spot hidden problems that could save you thousands in future repairs.
DealNow is the easiest way to close your own vehicle deal, anytime. It’s the safe and simple way to avoid fraud, sign documents, and instantly transact, all in one app.
