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Pretty Please - add it to our Events forum(s) and add to the calendar! >> 
tomshobby
Yoda
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I have posted this before. It is a very good list of actions to avoid being cheated when purchasing an automobile. The second part of #4 saved me from a TR4 scam about four years ago.
I put it together from experience working for a car dealer. And feel it would be, at least, a base for a forum list to protect buyers and sellers.
There seems to be a lot of fraud going on lately and these are some guidelines to help avoid scammers and find the vehicle that you are hoping for. Hope it is helpful.
1. Obtain seller’s street address. Not just a PO Box.
2. Obtain seller’s land line phone number. Not just a cell phone number.
3. Verify both by sending a contact letter requiring a response and calling the number.
4. If both check out then next obtain the Vin number and registration number as they are on the title. Have your local police run a check on them.
5. If these all pass you are then ready to look at the vehicle.
6. Make a list of everything you want to check before looking at the vehicle and obtain a safety checklist from your state or the state where the vehicle resides. No matter what the vehicle looks like follow these lists.
7. If you cannot or if you are inexperienced have a trusted person with experience check the vehicle. Two people are better than one.
8. Do not allow the seller to distract you when doing the inspection.
9. When checking the vehicle the first step is to verify the Vin number of the care you are inspecting so you know it is the same vehicle that the title represents.
10. Always remember that this is not the only vehicle available. If you are not satisfied – pass on it.
11. If you decide to purchase make payment only in a way that your personal banking institution recommends.
12. Have your camera with you and take a good picture of the seller. If you get scammed this could be very important.
13. Remember that it is your money being spent. It is easier to keep it and be comfortable with your diligence than it is to get back after you hand it over.
14. Vehicle scams depend on the potential buyers dream-clouded view. Only by your calm, cold inspection can you get to your dream, don’t let them get away with it. An honest seller will assist you in your effort.
I put it together from experience working for a car dealer. And feel it would be, at least, a base for a forum list to protect buyers and sellers.
There seems to be a lot of fraud going on lately and these are some guidelines to help avoid scammers and find the vehicle that you are hoping for. Hope it is helpful.
1. Obtain seller’s street address. Not just a PO Box.
2. Obtain seller’s land line phone number. Not just a cell phone number.
3. Verify both by sending a contact letter requiring a response and calling the number.
4. If both check out then next obtain the Vin number and registration number as they are on the title. Have your local police run a check on them.
5. If these all pass you are then ready to look at the vehicle.
6. Make a list of everything you want to check before looking at the vehicle and obtain a safety checklist from your state or the state where the vehicle resides. No matter what the vehicle looks like follow these lists.
7. If you cannot or if you are inexperienced have a trusted person with experience check the vehicle. Two people are better than one.
8. Do not allow the seller to distract you when doing the inspection.
9. When checking the vehicle the first step is to verify the Vin number of the care you are inspecting so you know it is the same vehicle that the title represents.
10. Always remember that this is not the only vehicle available. If you are not satisfied – pass on it.
11. If you decide to purchase make payment only in a way that your personal banking institution recommends.
12. Have your camera with you and take a good picture of the seller. If you get scammed this could be very important.
13. Remember that it is your money being spent. It is easier to keep it and be comfortable with your diligence than it is to get back after you hand it over.
14. Vehicle scams depend on the potential buyers dream-clouded view. Only by your calm, cold inspection can you get to your dream, don’t let them get away with it. An honest seller will assist you in your effort.
