Avoiding Vehicle Scams

Buy, Sell, Trust and Safety Safety Tips
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Avoiding Vehicle Scams

Safety remains our number one concern. Vehicle transactions often involve significant amounts of money, making them a common target for fraudsters. Whether you’re buying or selling a vehicle, taking a few extra precautions can help protect you from scams.

What Are Vehicle Scams?

Vehicle scams occur when fraudsters use fake listings, misleading information, fraudulent payments, or shipping schemes to steal money or personal information from buyers and sellers.

Understanding the warning signs can help you complete transactions safely.

How Vehicle Scams Typically Work

Fraudsters may:

  • Advertise vehicles they do not own

  • Use stolen photos from legitimate listings

  • Request deposits before allowing inspections

  • Claim the vehicle will be shipped after payment

  • Use fake escrow or shipping services

  • Send counterfeit bank drafts or fake e-transfer confirmations

  • Offer more than the asking price and request a refund of the difference

If It Looks Too Good to Be True

  • Compare prices with similar vehicles in your area.

  • Be cautious of listings priced significantly below market value.

  • Be wary of anyone offering to “connect you with a buyer” for a fee or promoting “refund insurance” services.

Do Your Homework

  • Understand the ownership transfer requirements in your province.

  • Review the vehicle’s CARFAX Canada report.

  • Verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

  • Confirm that the seller’s name matches the ownership documents.

  • Verify any claims regarding inspections or certifications directly with the issuing organization.

Check the Details

  • Confirm that the year, mileage, and features match the vehicle description.

  • Review photos carefully for inconsistencies.

  • Search the VIN or photos online to identify duplicate listings.

  • Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before making any payment.

Verify the Seller

  • Ask for the seller’s full name and contact information.

  • Ensure ownership documents match the seller’s identification.

  • Be cautious if the seller refuses to meet in person.

  • Watch for excuses such as being overseas, deployed, or unable to show the vehicle.

  • If an in-person meeting isn’t immediately possible, request a live video call.

Avoid Shipping and Escrow Scams

  • Kijiji does not partner with any shipping, inspection, or escrow companies.

  • Never send money to a third party claiming to hold funds until delivery.

  • Be suspicious of any transaction requiring payment before seeing the vehicle.

Be Careful With Deposits and Payments

  • Never send a deposit before inspecting the vehicle.

  • Be cautious of overpayment schemes.

  • Watch for fake e-transfer confirmations and counterfeit bank drafts.

  • Verify that funds have been received before releasing the vehicle.

Selling a Vehicle Safely

  • Never hand over the vehicle until payment has cleared.

  • Verify buyer identification when appropriate.

  • Keep copies of bills of sale and ownership transfer documents.

  • Be cautious of buyers who are unwilling to meet in person.

Meet Safely and Pay Securely

  • Meet in a public, well-lit location.

  • Consider using a police-designated Safe Exchange Zone.

  • Inspect the vehicle before payment.

  • Use secure and traceable payment methods.

  • Avoid wire transfers and money transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

  • Stop communication immediately.

  • Do not send money or personal information.

  • Keep copies of messages, payment records, and any supporting documentation.

  • Report the listing to Kijiji.

Our Commitment to User Safety

Kijiji is committed to helping users buy and sell vehicles safely through education, reporting tools, and marketplace safeguards. Keeping transactions local, verifying vehicle information, and meeting in person remain the best ways to protect yourself from fraud.

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