In most cases, yes — you have legal grounds to get a refund or compensation if you unknowingly purchased a fraudulent vehicle. Your options depend on who sold it to you and what type of fraud occurred. You may be able to rescind the sale under state consumer protection laws, sue for damages under federal […]
Auto Fraud
How to Use VIN Check Tools to Avoid Auto Fraud
To use VIN check tools to avoid auto fraud, start by locating the 17-character VIN on the dashboard or door jamb, then run it through at least three sources: NICB VINCheck (free, nicb.org) for stolen vehicle and salvage records, NMVTIS (vehiclehistory.gov, under $10) for title history across all 50 states, and a paid vehicle history […]
How Online Marketplaces Prevent Auto Fraud in Listings
Quick answer: Online auto marketplaces rely on a layered set of tools to catch fraud before it reaches buyers — VIN verification, AI-powered listing analysis, seller identity checks, payment escrow, machine learning detection, user reporting, and partnerships with law enforcement databases like the NICB. No platform has eliminated auto fraud entirely, and there are meaningful […]
Signs of Odometer Fraud in Used Cars: How to Spot a Rolled-Back Mileage Scam
Quick Answer: The most reliable signs of odometer fraud are physical wear that doesn’t match the claimed mileage (worn pedals, steering wheel, and seat bolsters on a supposedly low-mileage vehicle), mileage gaps or rollbacks in the vehicle history report, a tampered or replaced instrument cluster, service records that don’t add up, and tires that are worn […]
How to Check If a Used Car Has Been Reported for Fraud
Quick Answer: To check if a used car has been reported for fraud, run the VIN through the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) free VINCheck tool, pull a Carfax or AutoCheck vehicle history report, verify the title with your state’s DMV, and search the VIN against the NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) database. […]
Is It Fraud If the Dealer Said the Car Wasn’t in an Accident but It Was?
You asked all the right questions before buying. You specifically said, “Has this car ever been in an accident?” and the salesperson smiled and said, “No, it’s clean.” You trusted them — and signed the deal. But weeks later, you discover the truth: the car was in an accident. Maybe you found bodywork under the […]
What Should I Do If the Dealership Won’t Fix Problems They Promised?
You did everything right. You trusted the dealership, asked the right questions, and made sure the deal included repairs or fixes they promised before delivery. But now that you’ve driven the car home, they’re suddenly hard to reach. Calls go unanswered, excuses pile up, and those promised repairs never happen. It’s frustrating and unfair. So […]
How Do I Spot Fake Dealer Fees or Hidden Charges?
You’ve finally found the right car. The price looks good, the test drive went great, and the salesperson assures you it’s a “no-hassle” deal. But when you sit down to sign the paperwork, the numbers don’t quite add up. The final price is thousands more than what you expected — thanks to mysterious “dealer fees” […]
Can a Dealer Roll Back the Miles and Not Tell Me?
You found the perfect car — low miles, clean interior, and a price that seems almost too good to be true. The salesperson assures you it’s a great deal, and everything looks perfect on paper. But a few weeks later, you notice something odd. The service records don’t match the mileage on the odometer, or […]
What Are the Most Common Car Dealer Scams to Watch Out For?
You walk into a dealership expecting honesty. After all, buying a car is supposed to be exciting—not stressful. But too often, behind the smiles and sales pitches, some dealers use shady tactics to squeeze more money out of unsuspecting buyers. Whether you’re shopping for a new ride or signing the paperwork on a used one, […]
