A warning about used car “curbstoners”

Q13 TV recently aired a story about a man who bought a car he found on Craigslist. He thought it was a good deal until he went to the Department of Licensing to get his title. Turned out the VIN number didn’t match up with the license plate.

The news story might make it seem that curbstoning is about piecing cars together, but actually the term simply refers to unlicensed dealers. Anyone who sells five or more vehicles in a year must obtain a dealer's license.

Here’s how to avoid a scam:

1. Buy from a licensed dealer.
2. Insist on a test drive and inspection by an independent mechanic before you negotiate the price.
3. Check for red flags:

• A price that’s too good to be true.
• Missing VIN. The number should be on the door, the dash and under the hood.
• The seller doesn’t have the title.

More tips for buying a used car.