Vehicle History Report Scams: How to Avoid Fake VIN Report Requests
Vehicle history report scams occur when fraudsters pose as interested buyers and convince sellers to purchase a vehicle history report from a fraudulent or unverified website.
The scam is designed to collect money, personal information, or payment details from vehicle sellers before any legitimate transaction takes place.
How the Scam Works
A fraudster contacts a seller and expresses strong interest in purchasing a vehicle.
They may:
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Agree to the asking price immediately
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Claim they are arranging financing through a bank
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Promise to inspect the vehicle in person
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Request service records or ownership documents
After building trust, they ask the seller to purchase a vehicle history report from a specific website and send them a copy before meeting.
The website is often controlled by the scammer or designed to collect payment information and personal data.
In many cases, the buyer never intends to purchase the vehicle.
Example of a Vehicle History Report Scam
A buyer may send messages such as:
“My bank requires a vehicle history report before approving the loan. Please use this website to obtain the report and send me a copy. I’ll reimburse you when we meet.”
The buyer may claim the report costs only a small amount and may even offer to reimburse the fee later.
These requests are a common warning sign of fraud.
Warning Signs
Be cautious if a buyer:
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Requests that you purchase a vehicle history report from a specific website
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Sends links to unfamiliar or unverified services
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Promises reimbursement after you buy the report
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Agrees to the asking price without asking meaningful questions
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Creates urgency or pressure to act quickly
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Refuses to meet until a report has been purchased
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Uses generic messages that could apply to any vehicle listing
How to Protect Yourself
Do Not Purchase Reports Requested by Buyers
You are never obligated to purchase a vehicle history report from a website suggested by a potential buyer.
Use Trusted Providers
If you choose to obtain a vehicle history report, use reputable providers and verify the website independently before entering payment information.
Verify Requests Independently
Banks, lenders, and financial institutions do not require sellers to purchase reports through buyers or unknown third-party websites.
Keep Communication on Kijiji
Staying on-platform helps maintain a record of conversations and makes it easier to report suspicious activity.
Meet in Person
Whenever possible, meet interested buyers in person and verify documents directly before completing a transaction.
Best Practices for Selling a Vehicle Safely
To reduce the risk of fraud:
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Verify the identity of potential buyers
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Be cautious of buyers who immediately agree to the price
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Avoid clicking unfamiliar links
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Never share sensitive financial information
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Verify payments before releasing the vehicle
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Trust your instincts if something feels unusual
What to Do If You Encounter This Scam
If a buyer asks you to purchase a report from an unfamiliar website:
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Do not click the link
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Do not provide payment information
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Stop communication if necessary
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Report the user or listing on Kijiji
Key Takeaway
Legitimate buyers may ask questions about a vehicle’s history, but they should not require you to purchase reports from specific websites. If someone insists that you pay for a report before meeting or inspecting the vehicle, treat the request as a potential scam and proceed with caution.