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By Justin Goulet

Better Business Bureau warns of vehicle sale scam

Sep 15, 2021 | 12:45 PM

CALGARY, AB – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising of a fake vehicle buying scam targeting people in the Calgary area.

The BBB noted that in recent days and weeks, Calgarians attempting to sell their used vehicles via online classified ads have been targeted by scammers posing as buyers.

President and CEO of BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay, Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen said, “this is a twist on a scammer theme.”

“The (fake) buyer indicates they are interested in the car, [then] they ask the seller to supply a background check on the car using a specific website. The website is a scam, often created to gather credit card and personal information.”

The BBB noted that one Calgarian who avoided being scammed did so by conducting their own research and reporting the scam to ‘Scam Tracker’, the Bureau’s online tool that tracks scams in real time. O’Sullivan-Andersen added that typically, “the seller of the vehicle does not provide the VIN report.”

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“Further, there are some well known and trusted companies that provide these services. As always do your research, avoid making any snap decisions. If it’s now, say no.”

TIPS TO AVOID THIS SCAM

The BBB advises everyone to be wary if a potential buyer asks them to purchase something from a specific website as a condition for a sale. While an interested buyer may want a VIN report prior to purchasing your vehicle, visit the site yourself and research it on the Bureau’s website here.

In Canada, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the national insurance industry association, offers vehicle history reports.

SCAMS TO AVOID WHEN SELLING A VEHICLE

The BBB noted that although selling a vehicle through an online classified ad might ensure a higher price, independent sellers “are often targets of current scams”.

In addition to the vehicle report scam, be sure to watch out for these common warning signs:

• Cheque or money order sent for more than the price of the vehicle. The buyer requests that you ship the car or truck and keep the coverage. Cheques or money orders should be confirmed as legitimate before the vehicle is delivered.
• Buyer offers full payment without even seeing the vehicle.

More on the Better Business Bureau is available here.

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