Selling your vehicle online should be straightforward, but increasing reports indicate a new scam targeting unwary sellers. Criminals pose as interested buyers demanding fake “vehicle reports” from unknown providers, aiming to steal personal and financial data.

Recently, car seller Nick K. from Washington identified this pattern firsthand. He noticed that scammers often initiate contact with brief, suspicious messages, such as asking if the seller accepts cash or offering more money than the vehicle’s listed price. These signs often signal a scam in progress.

The scam typically unfolds with a message claiming the buyer wants a detailed vehicle history report, prompting the seller to click on a malicious link. Once clicked, the site appears legitimate but is designed to steal credit card details and personal information. Experts warn that scammers increase pressure, offering higher payments to lure victims into paying for fake reports, only to vanish afterward.

Security specialists recommend verifying reports through trusted sources like Carfax or AutoCheck. Avoid clicking on unknown links, especially if the buyer insists on using unfamiliar websites. Protect your devices with robust antivirus software and consider data removal services to minimize online risks.

By staying vigilant and following these precautions, sellers can prevent falling victim to these manipulative schemes. Always verify the legitimacy of online offers and report suspicious activity to authorities.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.