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Selling a car online should be easy. However, recently more and more sellers are faced with false “vehicle report” claims from so-called buyers. The presentation looks routine, but it leads directly to a payment page on a site you are unfamiliar with.
We heard from Nick K. in Washington, who noticed a pattern in real time.
“While trying to sell the vehicle, it became apparent that there was fraud going on with CarFax type reports,” Nick wrote to us in an email. “The way it works is the guy texts or emails saying he's interested in your car, but says he needs to have a report on the car from a specific service. At first I thought it was just a way for the guy to sell more reports, but after thinking about it for a while, it seems like it could be a great way to collect credit card numbers, etc. I haven't been a victim of this, but I recently had a few similar experiences while selling a car. There are some warning signs: “Will you accept?” cash? Questions indicating that they have not read the ad. Offer more than what the advertisement asks for. Short, meaningless first contact. These are common signs I look for when trying to decide if someone responding to an ad on Craigslist or Facebook is legitimate.”
Nick's instincts are spot on. This Craigslist car report scam has spread across Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other online classifieds.
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Scammers posing as buyers on Craigslist ask sellers to buy fake “vehicle history reports” from scam sites. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How the Craigslist Car Report Scam Works
This scam often starts with a message that looks completely normal. The prospective buyer writes something like, “Is the 1985 F150 in stock?” and quickly asks friendly but vague questions such as, “Okay, I'm interested in watching this. When and where will be convenient for you?”
Once you respond, the “buyer” will have established enough rapport to appear legitimate. Then comes the setup. The “buyer” says he is serious about buying, but wants to see a detailed ASR report first, something most sellers have never heard of.
That's exactly what happened to Nick K. After he shared the Craigslist link and details about the car, the fake buyer sent this response:
“Auto Smart Report, here is the link where you can get the documents. Oh, I forgot to ask your name? I'm Richard. Will you accept payment in cash? Let me know”.
It sounds harmless and even reassuring. But the scam is based on getting you to click on that link. The site looks professional and promises “Complete vehicle history at your fingertips.” However, by entering your information, you are not purchasing a report; you are giving your credit card details and personal details to criminals.
When the seller fought back in this case, the scammer redoubled his efforts, using even more pressure tactics.
“If you can show me the Auto Smart report, that would be great because it is the most reliable and comprehensive report. I offer you $7,000. I don't have a problem with it.” Notice that the scammer has just increased the amount he is willing to pay for the car by $500.
They will say anything to keep you interested and make the transaction routine. But as soon as you pay for a fake report, the buyer disappears. Its only purpose is to collect your financial information, not to buy your car.
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With friendly text messages, these fake buyers are after your payment information, not your car. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Warning signs to look out for
- Queries for unknown report names such as “ASR”.
- Messages that ignore your ad details
- Offers above asking price
- Phrases like “will you accept cash?” or “I just need to look at the report first.”
- Site-specific requirements instead of acceptance Carfax, AutoCheck or NMVTIS report
- General greetings such as “dear,” “brother,” or “friend.”
If you see two or more of them at the same time, consider the lead suspicious.
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These persuasive messages often include phrases such as “I just need to look at the ASR report first” or “Will you accept cash?” look legit. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to Protect Yourself from Craigslist Car Report Scams
Even the most persuasive buyer could end up being a scammer, but these smart steps will help you stay safe, protect your money, and keep your personal information out of the wrong hands.
1) Do not click on links sent by the buyer and use reliable antivirus software.
Do not click on links sent via text messages, email, or messaging apps. This often leads to phishing sites or hidden malware downloads. Protect your devices with reliable antivirus software. Scan and update your software regularly to block new threats.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your personal information is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
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2) Never enter payment information on unfamiliar sites.
If a buyer insists that you use a website you've never heard of, stop immediately. Always check the legitimacy of a site before sharing any financial or personal information.
3) Use the data deletion service
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4) Use reliable reporting services.
Stick with well-known names such as Carfax, AutoCheck or NMVTIS. They are widely recognized and accepted by real buyers.
5) Share your VIN in the ad.
Including your vehicle's VIN allows real buyers to securely create their own reports without your input.
6) Block and report scammers
Report suspicious messages directly to the platform and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Sharing information helps others stay safe.
7) If you paid on a fake site
Contact your bank immediately, cancel the card, and check your account for unauthorized charges. Quick action can prevent further losses.
8) Date wisely and be careful
When meeting with a buyer, choose a public place with CCTV cameras. Bring a friend, keep your phone charged, and document all interactions.
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Kurt's key takeaways
This scam works because the vehicle report sounds like a normal thing. A fake buyer pushes you to a site you've never heard of and then forces you to act quickly. Slow down, check and stick to known services. Real buyers will accept the report you provide or create it themselves. You can still sell safely on marketplaces by following a few simple rules. Control the process, choose the source of your report, and avoid links sent by strangers. Thanks to readers like Nick, more merchants can spot a trap before money or data is put at risk.
Have you seen buyers promoting weird reporting sites when you sell online? What gave you the idea in the first place? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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