How to Avoid Junk Car Scams
If you start your junk car selling search by typing “junk car buyers near me” into your search bar, you’re going to get a lot of results. And many of them are going to be shady, crooked dealers looking to take advantage of you.
When you are looking to sell your junker, there are a few telltale clues to look out for. You want to ensure you are selling to a reputable buyer who will not scam you. To be sure of an honest sale, be wary of these tactics.
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Renegade tow truck drivers.
Many companies do not own their own towing service and use for-hire tow trucks in the area. This can be especially tricky if you are being paid in cash. So watch out for the drivers “inspecting” your car and claiming the car is worth less than the original deal. Never settle for less than your original quote. Some drivers may also claim that you have to pay them for the tow, even though they are actually being paid by the junk car company. If you feel like the tow truck driver is taking advantage of you, make sure to call the company to check.
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Paying you less at time of trade or paying you in coupons and vouchers.
If any company tells you the car is worth less at the time of trade than what they said on the phone, back away. They are just trying to shake you down. Also, if a company says they will pay you in vouchers for local businesses or coupons, don’t take the offer. Only accept cash offers, as these vouchers often come with extreme stipulations and are not worth the paper they are printed on.
- Selling your car without transferring the title.
The title to your car is the legal deed of ownership. If buyers claim you only need to cancel registration or that they don’t take titles, walk away. A legal car sale is only valid if there is a transfer of title. Canceling the registration and taking your license plates is important, but if you don’t transfer the title and the car gets in an accident, you will be liable. So don’t let anyone tell you the title isn’t important. It is.
- Getting paid after the trade. If a buyer says they will pay you later, or have to get the money together, but want the car now, walk away. This seems like common sense, but it can be common for scam artists to take the car, claim they will put the check in the mail, and never actually pay you.
Selling a junk car can be a tricky business–you want to get the most for your money in a market full of people trying to give you as little as possible. To ensure you get a safe, legal sale, check out our service areas page to see if we can pick up in an area near you. You can avoid all the hassle of screening a junk car companies by using us, we can tow your car anywhere in Maine.
