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6 Tips to Avoiding Curbsiders

6 Tips to Avoiding Curbsiders

From Ontario Motor Vehicle Council (OMVIC) here are six signs to look for to avoid curbsiders and other issues related to used vehicle sales. Curbsiders and fraudsters love sites like Kijiji and Craiglist, because they can pose as private sellers and run their operations under the radar. Ontario consumers need to be vigilant, because consumer protection does not apply to private sales.
 
1. Look out for unusual or “fishy” stories. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
 
2. Ask if the vehicle is certified and e-tested, and request all the documentation.
 
3. Ask for a land line or work number to validate the seller is who he or she claims to be.
 
4. Ask to see the vehicle ownership registration.  If the sellers name does not appear on the registration, do not buy the vehicle.
 
5. View the vehicle before you make any type of payment
 
6. Meet sellers at their residence or place of work, not at malls or out-of-way parking lots. You want to know the seller is the person he or she claims to be.
 
Dealers offer you far more protection and by law must disclose to buyers a vehicles full history, including any major repair work and accidents.  They must also provide all-in pricing in advertising among a list of other requirements.