![]() ![]() “If you are selling a car online and someone asks you to get a car history report from a specific site, ask why and think twice,” reports the Federal Trade Commission. What’s in it for this fake “buyer”? Sometimes it’s a referral fee, which can add up to real money if the scam artist is methodical enough. But from there the trail goes cold-the hot prospect maintains radio silence. In fact, “.vin” is intended for people in the wine industry, though anyone can purchase a domain name.Īfter paying $20 to $25 for the report and providing some requested information, the seller gets the document and emails it to the buyer. A link is provided, and it leads to a legitimate-looking vehicle history site-often with a URL ending in “.vin.” Makes sense, right, because the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) is essential to checking a car’s history. ![]() Sometimes a would-be buyer seems ready to put down money, but wants a history report first-a specific one. There are scam artists out there, however. Srinrat Wuttichaikitcharoen / EyeEm Getty Images In the case of minor fender benders, owners might want to keep the incident to themselves for fear of higher rates. If an accident isn’t reported to an insurance company, law enforcement or other authorities, it can get by the radar. The buyer might think that a clean report from Carfax, AutoCheck, Bumper, or one of the other major suppliers assures peace of mind, but in fact accidents can and do get missed. It’s a common question when you’re selling a car: “Do you have a vehicle history report?” It’s a smart thing to ask, because at their best these reports will show not only if the prospective purchase was in an accident, but also its service record.
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