SwitchCast Season 3 Episode 2
Sniffing Out Scams
We’ve all heard stories of online scammers trying to get your money or personal information in the digital world, but did you know that some of these scammers are also targeting car sales? Car selling scams are becoming increasingly common, and it’s important for car buyers to understand the signs of a scam to protect themselves from becoming victims.
One of the most common car sales scams is the “bait and switch” tactic. In this scenario, the buyer is promised a specific car at a set price, only to be shown a different vehicle for a higher price when they arrive at the dealership. This scam is particularly popular with online car buyers, who are often unaware that they’re being scammed until they arrive at the dealership.
Another common scam is the “phantom car” scam. In this scam, the buyer is promised a vehicle that isn’t actually available. The scammer will show pictures of the car, but when the buyer arrives at the dealership, they discover that the car isn’t actually there. The scammer will then attempt to upsell the buyer on a different, more expensive vehicle.
Finally, some car sellers will try to scam buyers by offering vehicles with hidden defects. The seller may claim that the car is in perfect condition, but upon closer inspection, the buyer may discover that the car is not in good condition and needs repairs. To avoid becoming a victim of a car selling scam, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Look up reviews of the seller and make sure that the car is actually available.
This week on SwitchCast, Doug recounts a rather frustrating encounter with a potential customer, the Corvette Curmudgeon returns, we sniff out more scams, and of course he takes your questions live. Don’t miss out this week’s episode of SwitchCast.
Listen to the episode here: