Title Jumping Scams in 2025: Buying or selling a used car through platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp can seem convenient and cost-effective. But there’s a lesser-known — and highly illegal — scam you should be aware of: title jumping. Often overlooked by casual buyers and sellers, this scam can lead to serious legal consequences, unexpected fees, and even vehicle repossession.
In this article, we’ll explain what title jumping is, how scammers use it, why it’s illegal, and how you can protect yourself in 2025 and beyond.
🚘 What Is Title Jumping?
Title jumping (also called “title skipping”) happens when someone sells a car without properly transferring the title into their own name. In most states, it is required by law that a person who buys a car must register it and update the title before selling it again. Skipping this step is a felony in many U.S. states.
Here’s an example:
- John buys a used car from Mike.
- Instead of registering the car under his name, John sells it directly to Sarah using the original title from Mike.
- Sarah now has no legal record of John ever owning the car — and the title history is “jumped.”
Scammers do this to avoid paying sales tax, registration fees, or to hide a car’s real ownership chain.
🚨 Why Is Title Jumping a Problem?
Title jumping isn’t just shady — it’s a serious legal issue. If you unknowingly buy a car from a title jumper, you might face the following consequences:
- Inability to register the car in your name
- DMV penalties or denied title transfer
- Owed taxes and fees that were skipped by the seller
- Possibility the car was stolen or has a salvage title
- Void insurance coverage due to lack of ownership proof
In worst-case scenarios, the car may be impounded or you may be held liable for tickets or crimes associated with the vehicle before your ownership.
🕵️ How to Spot a Title Jumping Scam
Many Craigslist title scams involve sellers who avoid signing their name on the title. Here are signs you may be dealing with a title jumper:
- The name on the title doesn’t match the seller’s ID
- The seller refuses to sign the title over or asks you to leave it blank
- The title shows multiple owners or strange handwriting corrections
- The vehicle was recently purchased but the seller claims they “never registered it”
- The seller is unwilling to meet at the DMV
If the seller doesn’t appear on the title as the registered owner, it’s a huge red flag. Walk away from the deal — no matter how good the price looks.
📜 Is Title Jumping Illegal in the U.S.?
Yes. Title jumping is illegal in all 50 states. Most states classify it as a felony or serious misdemeanor, especially if the intent is to defraud buyers or avoid paying sales tax. Penalties can include:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000+
- Possible jail time
- Loss of driver’s license
- Vehicle seizure
Some scammers try to hide behind the excuse of being a “dealer,” but if they are not licensed with the state DMV, they are committing curbstoning — which is also illegal.
🚧 What Is Curbstoning and How Is It Related?
Curbstoning is when unlicensed individuals sell multiple vehicles illegally, often by jumping titles. These sellers may pose as “private sellers” on Craigslist or Facebook, when in fact they are illegally flipping cars for profit.
Watch for these signs of a curbstoner:
- Sells multiple cars on Craigslist with different numbers or names
- Won’t let you meet at their home or see their ID
- Asks for cash only and won’t do paperwork
- Claims they’re “helping a relative sell the car”
Curbstoners don’t just put you at legal risk — they often sell vehicles with hidden problems or serious damage.
✅ How to Avoid Title Jumping Scams in 2025
Follow these steps to ensure a safe and legal car purchase:
1. Check the Seller’s Name Against the Title
Always confirm that the seller’s government-issued ID matches the name on the title. No match? No deal.
2. Use a Bill of Sale and Sign in Person
Use a state-approved bill of sale. Never accept pre-signed or blank titles. Sign paperwork in person and retain copies.
3. Verify VIN and Title Status
Use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to check for salvage, theft, or inconsistencies in the title chain.
4. Complete the Transaction at the DMV
Meet the seller at your local DMV or tag office to complete the title transfer. This helps avoid surprises and ensures legal compliance.
5. Walk Away If It Feels Suspicious
No matter how “friendly” or “urgent” the seller seems, if they’re avoiding paperwork, it’s a scam. Don’t ignore your gut feeling.
🔍 Related Search Queries in 2025
- How to report a title jumping scam
- What happens if I buy a car with a jumped title?
- Can I register a car without the seller signing the title?
- How to spot a fake car title
- Is it legal to sell a car without transferring the title?
If you discover you’ve been a victim of title jumping, contact your state’s DMV immediately. You may also need to report it to the FBI’s IC3 and file a fraud complaint with the FTC.
📌 Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Legal
Title jumping is a serious issue in the used car market, especially through platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. While these marketplaces offer convenience, they also lack the regulation of licensed dealerships.
To protect yourself:
- Verify ownership and title history
- Never buy from someone who isn’t the legal owner
- Use official documents and meet at the DMV
- Report suspicious activity to local authorities
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced car flipper, knowing the risks of title jumping scams in 2025 is critical to avoiding legal trouble and financial loss.