Buyer Protection Guides
Verified research to help you buy used cars safely. Every claim is sourced. Nothing is invented.
The Used Car Fraud Crisis: A Data Deep Dive
Real data from the FTC, FBI, and BBB on fraudulent online listings. $16.6 billion in internet crime losses. $12,600 median loss per vehicle scam victim. All verified and cited.
Read Article →What Is a Salvage Title?
A salvage title means an insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Learn what risks this creates, how sellers hide it, and how to protect yourself before you buy.
What Is Curbstoning?
Curbstoning is an illegal scam where unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers to avoid consumer protection laws. It happens every day on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
What Is VIN Cloning?
VIN cloning is vehicle identity theft. Criminals apply a legitimate VIN to a stolen vehicle so it passes history checks. Learn how to catch it before you buy.
What Is a Rebuilt Title?
A rebuilt title means a salvage vehicle was repaired and passed a state inspection. Learn what that inspection actually checks, what it misses, and when it might still be worth buying.
What Is Title Washing?
Title washing erases a vehicle damage history by re-registering it in a state with looser laws. It produces a clean Carfax on a damaged vehicle. Here is how to catch it.
How to Check if a Used Car Listing Is Legit
The exact steps to verify any used car listing using free public tools — and what Auto Scam Guard checks for you. Full transparency on our data sources.
What Is a Repo Vehicle and What Could Go Wrong?
With 1.73 million vehicles repossessed in 2024, repo cars are everywhere. Learn the real risks, how to detect deferred maintenance, and how scammers use repos as fraud props.
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