Safety tips for buyers and sellers

Most private sales go fine. These habits make the rare bad one much less likely.

Meeting up

• Meet in a public, well-lit place during the day. Some police departments offer safe exchange spots. Check whether yours does.
• Bring a friend or tell someone where you are going.
• Do not give out your home address before you have to. Sellers can bring the car to you or meet partway.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave.

Test drives

• Sellers: ask to see a driver's license and note the name. Go along for the drive.
• Buyers: confirm the seller can legally sell the car. The name on the title should match their ID.
• Keep the keys with you until you are ready to hand over or accept money.

Payment

• Do not send a deposit or full payment for a car you have not seen in person.
• For larger amounts, finishing at the buyer's bank is safer for both sides, since the bank can confirm the funds are real.
• Be wary of cashier's checks you cannot verify, overpayment offers, and anyone who wants payment through gift cards, wire transfer or crypto.

Warning signs of a scam

• A price far below what similar cars sell for, with a story about why.
• The seller is "out of town" or in the military and wants you to pay a shipping company.
• Pressure to move off Sac Auto List to text or an unfamiliar site right away.
• Refusal to meet, show the title, or let you have the car inspected.

More in our guide to common used-car listing scams. If you see a suspicious listing, use the report link on it or contact us. If you think a crime happened, contact local law enforcement.

Sac Auto List does not verify sellers, buyers or vehicles. These tips are general and do not guarantee a safe transaction.