The Curbstoning Auto Scam
Curbstoning relate to car dealers who try to avoid the law by selling their vehicles on the street
, by pretending to be private sellers. In this auto scam dishonest car dealers use curbstoning as a means of bypassing their state laws which govern the sale of cars.Inferior Cars
Curbstoning car dealer usually use this car scam in order to offload the type of vehicle they would resist to sell through their dealership. There will be several cars for sale in the same place, often parked along the curb, hence the name curbstoners'. Typically, these cars will be ones with problems, that are hard for the dealers to sell through their official businesses. Moreover, cars bought at the roadside may have had their clocks rolled back (odometer fraud).
Internetstoning
Popular internet sites are popular with curbstoners. This is because they often afford the seller a great deal of anonymity, making it difficult for disgruntled purchasers, and government agencies alike, to track them down. Advertisments on Internet for lemon autos permit the scammer to utilise a few different techniques in order to increase their chances of selling their vehicles. Another tactic in online sales is affinity fraud.
Avoiding Curbstoning Scams
Though there are laws that prohibit curbstoning, they are rarely enforced or prosecuted. Hence, watchfulness is the key if you wish to avoid buying a car that -
. has it's odometer rolled back
. has been damaged
. has someone else's credit outstanding on it
. has been designated as being for export only
Check the seller's identity, get any guarantees or representations in writing and, if possible take it to the mechanic to exaine in advance.
The Curbstoning Auto Scam
By: araks