How to Avoid Car Getting Scammed By Car Buyers
Matt Neff, owner of Auto Appraisal Network of Cincinnati, was recently featured on WPCO Cincinnati after nearly becoming a victim of fraudulent car buyers when he listed his ‘49 Packard for sale online. This is a summary of the article.
Classic Car Seller Targeted by Scammers—Here’s How to Protect Yourself When Listing Online
When Matt Neff listed his restored 1948 Packard for sale on a popular online marketplace, he expected a wave of interest—but what he didn’t expect was to be targeted by three separate fraud attempts within days.
The vintage car's eye-catching style made it a quick hit, but the first “buyer” sent a counterfeit check for more than the asking price and tried to convince Neff to wire part of it to a fake shipping company. Fortunately, Neff waited for the check to clear—and it bounced.
Two more scammers tried a different angle: sending him bogus links to run vehicle history reports, aiming to steal personal information or money through fake PayPal portals.
According to the Better Business Bureau, these tactics are increasingly common, especially for sellers of collectible or classic vehicles. Scammers often:
- Pretend to be too busy to meet in person
- Send fraudulent checks
- Request payment for fake shipping services
- Push sellers to use fake websites for vehicle history reports
Tips to Protect Yourself When Selling a Vehicle Online
- Stick to local buyers and meet in person when possible
- Never send money back to a buyer—especially from an overpaid check
- Use only reputable sites like CARFAX or AutoCheck for vehicle history reports
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is
After nearly being scammed multiple times, Neff chose to keep his Packard for now. “I could see how so many people could easily fall for this,” he said.
Whether you’re selling a rare classic or your daily driver, stay alert and don’t rush into deals—your car (and your wallet) will thank you.
The original story and article were published by wcpo.com
Auto Appraisal Network - Cincinnati specializes in appraisals for classic, custom and collector vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUV's, motorcycles, boats and personal watercraft. We do appraisals for insurance policies and claims, such as diminished value and total loss, probate, bankruptcy, divorce, financing, fair market value and pre-purchase inspections.
Our appraisals are certified and accepted by the legal system, insurance companies and financial institutions. When you need an accurate, fair assessment of the value of your ride, you need Auto Appraisal Network - Cincinnati. Call (513) 957-4080 to schedule your appraisal today.
