Curbstoning / Title-Washing (Fake Private Car Sale)
An unlicensed dealer poses as a private seller to unload cars with hidden salvage, flood, or odometer problems, often with a 'washed' title hiding the history.
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What this scam is
In curbstoning, unlicensed dealers pretend to be private individuals selling a car, avoiding dealer disclosure rules. The vehicles often have serious hidden issues — salvage, flood damage, rolled-back odometers — and a 'washed' title (moved between states to erase the branding). Buyers overpay for a dangerous or worthless car with no dealer recourse. Signs include a 'seller' with several cars, a name not matching the title, and reluctance to let you inspect. A pre-purchase inspection and a VIN history check protect you.
What it usually looks like
- A 'private seller' who has multiple vehicles for sale.
- A name that doesn't match the title.
- Pressure to buy fast, cash preferred.
- Reluctance to allow an independent inspection.
Common warning signs
- Seller name not matching the title.
- One 'private' seller with many cars.
- No independent inspection allowed.
- A too-clean title on a suspiciously cheap car.
Example wording scammers use
“It's my personal car (title's still in the previous owner's name, I'll sign it over).”
“Cash today and it's yours — no need to get it inspected, it runs great.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- To sell a damaged/salvage car as sound.
- Cash and a fast, un-inspected sale.
- To avoid dealer disclosure and recourse.
What to do
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection before buying.
- Run the VIN through a history service (and NMVTIS) for salvage/flood/odometer flags.
- Confirm the seller's name matches the title; beware sellers with many cars.
- Walk away from 'no inspection' pressure.
What to do if you already responded
- Consult your state DMV/consumer-protection office about recourse.
- Report to your state AG and reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Have the vehicle inspected for safety.