By CCSO Det. Paul Robbins — As online car sales grow in popularity, so do the risks of fraudulent activity. The residents of Carson City and much of Nevada have experienced these crimes. It is our goal to raise awareness about common scams, and to provide tips to avoid these scams. 

Common Online Car Sales Scams

  1. Too good to be true pricing: vehicles priced significantly lower market value may indicate a scam.
  2. Requests for upfront payments: fraudsters often ask for wire transfers or prepaid gift cards before buyers see the vehicle in person.
  3. Fake listings: scammers steal photos and descriptions from legitimate listings to create fraudulent posts.
  4. Nonexistent vehicles: some scammers advertise cars that don’t exist and fabricate stories to avoid in-person meetings.

Tips to Avoid Online Car Sales Scams

  1. Research the seller: verify the seller’s identity and check reviews on the sales platform.
  2. Insist on in-person transactions: inspect the vehicle in person before making a payment.
  3. Avoid wire transfers: use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection such as credit cards or escrow services.
  4. Verify the vehicles history: use the VIN to check the cars history through trusted services.

If you suspect fraud report it to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),  and the website where the listing was posted.