Is it time to change your car? If you’re looking to change your car but want a convenient method of doing so, buying online is the way to go. About one thousand people buy and sell used cars online in the private automobile market. Last year, it was recorded that up to a 42million used vehicles were sold in the United-states. However, most people buying cheap cars online are susceptible to fraud and online scams, which can be life-threatening. Some of these scams include faulty airbags or rolling back the odometer to increase the miles on the car. The number of people who prefer to buy used cars online rather than at a dealership increases each day. Many people go car shopping online, which exposes them to many risks. Buying a car online is convenient and easy but may not always be the safest option. After covid-19, the world has learned that transactions can be concluded successfully without necessarily being physical.
If you’re planning to change your car and see a car you like online, it will help if you consider these safety tips for purchasing a car online.
Verify the dealer’s identity physically
It is advisable to do business through a trusted and recognized platform that protects you. Do not close any deal online and don’t make payments online. Payment should be after a physical inspection. Closing the deal online is just way too risky. A car isn’t a small purchase and requires a healthy amount of trust from the buyer and seller. Ask for all the necessary information about the deal, such as their full name, address, and mobile number. If they refuse to submit this information, it’s a red flag. However, their address and phone number aren’t the only information you’d need, as they can easily be faked. You should also request their insurance card information, title, and driver’s license to compare and verify that they all have the same data. You can use this to know if the car may have been stolen or if it’s a scam.
Avoid using anonymous payment methods
If the dealer is asking for anonymous forms of Payment, then you should take a step back. Ensure that all payments are traceable. Using anonymous methods will erase the major link they have to the crime. This makes you unqualified for any refund from your bank. Avoid the seller if he asks to be paid via money gram, cryptocurrency, or western union.
Use sites that require a VIN
The vehicle identification number is crucial for tracking a vehicle. It is considered the vehicle’s fingerprint/trace. With the vehicle’s I.D, the car’s use, misuse, and end can be tracked. The car can be scanned for vehicle fraud and safety.
The deal should be closed publicly or in a safe place
It is not advisable to close the deal in a lonely area or online. The recommended location to deal with transactions in your local bank. The seller can meet you there with the car and title. You can pay with a cashier’s check.
