TIPS ON AVOIDING THE CURBERS’ CON
Unlicensed car dealers who pose as private sellers are a menace to buyers
In May, Arthur Tong was stripped of his salesperson license and banned from selling cars by the B.C. Vehicle Sales Authority after he was found to have tampered with the odometers of many of the vehicles he sold.
Two months later, an undercover media investigation found the Richmond man was still hawking vehicles on Craigslist.
Though government, police, and regulatory bodies do everything they can to protect consumers, this incident highlights the real risk of buying privately.
Curbers — unlicensed car dealers who pose as private sellers — don’t adhere to the same strict standards as licensed dealers. This leaves consumers unprotected if something goes wrong with the vehicle or the sale. When you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle, a licensed dealer is always the safest choice.
Licensed salespeople must follow the many regulations set out by governing bodies to protect consumers. They receive special training to meet the legal requirements, and if they aren’t met, customers are compensated.
Some private deals may seem too good to pass up. If you’re considering buying privately but are concerned about being conned by a curber, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
First, watch for early warning signs. If the seller refuses to meet at their house, asks for cash only, or wants to know which car you’re phoning about, it’s best to back out. Another no-go is when more than one car is listed under the same phone number.
Once you take a look at a vehicle, make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Check the vehicle’s registration; the name on the registration should match the seller’s name and it’s perfectly acceptable to ask to see their ID to be sure. Also, the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model and colour noted on the papers should match the vehicle being offered for sale.
A common curber trick is to turn back the odometer to raise a vehicle’s value. With any prospective vehicle, examine the odometer for scratches and cracks and make sure the numbers line up. Evaluate whether the seats or other parts of the vehicle show more wear and tear than the odometer suggests.
It also pays to shine a light on the vehicle’s history. Companies such as CarProof provide comprehensive reports that include information on whether the car has been in an accident, has any liens on it, or is stolen.
Finally, always have a shop you trust do a pre-purchase check on any vehicle you’re looking to buy. An experienced mechanic can not only diagnose current issues, but also point out potential future problems.
If you do think you’re dealing with a curber, make sure to file a consumer complaint through the Vehicle Sales Authority of B.C. website.
Although buying through a licensed dealer is the safest option, buying a quality vehicle from a private seller can still be a great investment.
Just make sure to do your homework.