One of the most common and dangerous forms of Craigslist car scams involves fake, altered, or missing vehicle titles. Private sellers may try to pass off stolen cars, salvage vehicles, or even cars with active liens — and if you don’t verify the title correctly, you could lose your money and your new car.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to verify a car title before buying a used vehicle from a private seller. Whether you’re buying from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or anywhere else, these checks are essential to avoid becoming a scam victim.
🚨 Why Title Verification Is Critical in Craigslist Car Transactions
In many Craigslist car scam cases, the seller provides a title that looks legitimate but is actually:
- Forged or tampered
- Assigned to someone else (title jumping)
- Marked salvage or rebuilt, but disguised
- Still under a lien from a previous loan
Once you complete the sale and try to register the car, you could be denied at the DMV or face legal issues. Worst case, the car could be repossessed or traced back to theft.
🔍 How to Properly Verify a Vehicle Title
1. Match the Name on the Title to the Seller’s ID
Ask for a government-issued ID and compare the name to the title’s registered owner. If they don’t match, it could be title jumping or fraud.
2. Inspect the Physical Title Document
- Look for signs of tampering, such as white-out, scribbled areas, or mismatched fonts.
- Check the title branding: does it say “salvage,” “rebuilt,” or “lemon law buyback”?
- Make sure the VIN on the title matches the one on the car.
3. Run a VIN Check Through Trusted Sources
Use services like:
These reports can reveal title history, branding, accident records, odometer rollbacks, and more.
4. Contact Your State DMV
Many state DMVs allow you to confirm title status online or in person. You can also confirm if there’s a lien or if the title has been reported lost or stolen.
⚠️ Red Flags That Signal a Craigslist Car Title Scam
- Seller “just moved” and can’t find the title
- Title is signed but blank where buyer info should go
- Title lists a different person or dealer as the owner
- Seller pressures you to skip paperwork or offers an unusually low price
These tactics are common in Craigslist car scams. If something feels rushed or unclear, walk away.
✅ Safe Steps to Complete a Title Transfer
Once you’ve verified the title is clean and correct, follow these steps:
- Complete a bill of sale signed by both parties
- Both buyer and seller should sign the title where indicated
- Include the odometer reading and sale price
- Visit the DMV to transfer the title as soon as possible
Pro Tip: Some states require notarization of the title. Check your local DMV regulations before meeting the seller.
📌 Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Caught in a Craigslist Title Scam
Verifying a vehicle title is not just a formality — it’s your protection against financial loss, legal trouble, and outright fraud. Many Craigslist car scams hinge on buyers failing to spot red flags in the paperwork.
Always verify the seller’s identity, confirm the title status, and run a VIN report before handing over your money. If a seller pushes back or avoids your questions, that’s your signal to leave.
Stay smart, stay skeptical, and never skip the title check — it’s the most important document in the entire transaction.