SELLER SAFETY

We’re committed to helping sellers feel confident and secure when using Built for Backroads. If you receive a suspicious message or have concerns about a buyer, contact us immediately at support@builtforbackroads.com.

Safety Tips

Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Would you send full payment without seeing the car? Would you skip asking about maintenance history or modifications? Would you buy sight-unseen without a PPI or any negotiation? Probably not, and real buyers won’t, either. Scammers often avoid details, rush the process, and offer full price without questions. A legitimate buyer will never pressure you into a quick decision. Take your time, verify everything, and don’t let anyone rush you.

Common red flags

• Unusually eager and willing to buy sight-unseen with no questions or interest about current state or maintenance history of vehicle
• Unfamiliar with vehicle specs and uninterested in the car’s condition or modifications (not an enthusiast)
• Pressure to act quickly
• Buyer traveling or located out of the country
• Unwilling to have a phone conversation or meet in person or in a public location

Known Scams

Verified funds only
Personal checks can bounce days later (even after they initially clear), and cashier checks can be counterfeit. Only accept funds that are first verified by your bank prior to releasing the title of your vehicle. Beware of any buyer who rushes you and requests the title without you confirming that the funds have cleared. Consider using a known escrow service to provide peace of mind for both you and the buyer.

Fake ID
Some scammers claim to be out of the country and may use fake IDs or fake driver’s licenses to appear legitimate. Always be extra cautious with buyers who cannot meet in person and verify their identity carefully. It is easy to send a photo of a drivers license and this can be faked.

Gather Personal Info
Scammers pose as interested buyers to collect your personal info, such as your address, bank account information, driver’s license, or Social Security number.

Offers Over Asking
A buyer does not try to negotiate on price or even offers to pay more than your asking price, often promising to send the extra amount by mistake or to cover fees like shipping or taxes. They then ask you to refund the difference quickly. The initial payment is usually fake—a fraudulent check, a fake bank transfer, or a counterfeit payment notification. Once you refund the “overpayment,” the original payment bounces or is reversed, and you lose the money you sent back.

Shipping Scam
A buyer may claim that they are out of state or overseas and ask you to ship the car. They often offer more than your asking price, usually by check, fake PayPal notice, or wire transfer. They say the extra amount covers shipping fees, which you need to forward to their “shipping company.” You’ll be asked to pay the shipper using Zelle, Venmo, or wire transfer. After depositing their fake payment, you send real money to the so-called shipping agent, which is actually an account controlled by the scammer. Later, the original payment bounces, and you lose the money you sent.

Fake Escrow Companies
Some scammers create fake escrow services that look legitimate, but the payment goes directly to them instead of being held securely. Use a trusted escrow service like KeySavvy.com or Escrow.com, especially for remote deals.

Loan Preapproval Scam
The scammer will say they need you to go through their loan site or get “verified” through a shady third party. The goal is to get all your personal info or get you to pay a fake fee.

Trust your gut

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Reach out to us at support@builtforbackroads.com if you have any concerns. We’re here to help make sure your selling experience is smooth and safe.

Note: Our guides are meant to provide general guidance for buying and selling on Built for Backroads. While we aim to keep them accurate, they may not cover all scenarios or legal requirements.