CarBuyingTips.com is an online resource aimed at assisting individuals in the process of buying new and used cars. It provides a wide range of guides, including tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud when purchasing a car.
Apart from purchasing guides, CarBuyingTips.com also offers tips on selling used cars, participating in auto auctions, and understanding extended warranties. It is up-to-date with the most recent scams and frauds in the car buying industry. This site uses feedback from its visitors to keep track of new frauds and spreads awareness about how to avoid these potential pitfalls.
One significant advice given by CarBuyingTips.com is the caution against using Western Union to pay for a car, regardless of how attractive the deal may seem or what the seller may relay. The site also provides guidance on how to use Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) to detect deceptive ads. If the VIN from the ad is entered into a search engine and the car is listed as sold on other sites, it is a likely indicator that the ad may be fraudulent.
CarBuyingTips.com also cautions against purchasing cars from sellers who offer to cover shipping charges or sell cars from other countries unless the transaction is completed in person. Buyers are also advised to be alert for American car listings that include USD next to the price and auctions that require Bidder Pre-Approval.
Furthermore, CarBuyingTips.com urges buyers to avoid responding to second chance offers on eBay, indicating that most of these offers are fraudulent. It cites reports from various vehicle sellers on eBay who have identified such dubious offers.
Finally, CarBuyingTips.com emphasizes the importance of being aware of escrow fraud. In particular, potential buyers are cautioned against sellers who send them an email instructing them to use an escrow service. This might be an attempt to defraud unsuspecting buyers.
Verdict: CarBuyingTips.com appears to be a valuable resource for both buyers and sellers of cars. Its guides provide significant insights into the industry, along with practical tips on how to avoid potential scams.