Car Shopper Scams Used Car Dealer

In previous articles we’ve learned about how to protect yourself from a used car scam with the oft-repeated advice that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is; and, that you have to always have all used vehicles checked thoroughly---preferably by a trained mechanic---before agreeing to making a used car purchase.

But even then, there are cases where a used car inspected fine, but later was found to have  hidden flood damage that did not manifest until later…or that the used car turns out to have been stolen.

Unfortunately for used car shoppers, there’s a good reason why scams are so prevalent…it is because scams often work and there are few laws protecting car shoppers from having made a bad buying decision. Although, there are occasional exceptions.

Used Car Sellers Get Scammed Too

To be fair, however, it bears pointing out that the life of a used car salesman is not glamorous and that not all used car salesmen are out there trying to scam potential customers. Many are small business owners in a small town and are just trying to make a living.

In fact, as it turns out, sometimes it’s the used car salesman that gets scammed…or at least some customers try to.

That was the point to a recent Flying Wheels YouTube channel episode where the host gives viewers a glimpse into the life of what it is like being a used car salesman in a small town. A life in which his chief complaint is that used car shoppers lie to him ALL THE TIME!

A Great Scam Story as a Warning to All

Follow along with the host as he explains the lengths a customer went to, to scam as much money as possible from him during the purchase of a used Corvette.

In the video, you will discover not only why used car dealers have to be wary of each and every customer who crosses their path, but also:

• Some red flags to watch for whenever someone is buying anything from you and appears to have trouble getting the money to you.
• The little details that can prevent you from retrieving lost funds from a credit card company during an obvious scam.
• Why “taking the law into your own hands” via the internet and naming names can blow up in your face…even when the accused is in the wrong.
• How sympathetic viewers can unintentionally bring problems to you.

That said, here are two videos in this 2-part story that are a must-watch; the least of which are very entertaining and informative about how it can seem like everyone is out to take advantage of you whenever it comes to cars whether you are the one buying or selling a used car.

Exposing the Scammer that tried to cheat me out of my Corvette

How Exposing a Car Scammer Got me in Some Trouble

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Most and Least Satisfying Winter/Snow Tires

Image source: Deposit Photos