Used car scams: the new red flags according to CARFAX

Milan, November 12th 2025 – The used car market hides pitfalls that are increasingly difficult to spot. CARFAX, an internationally recognized company for vehicle history information, reports a steady increase in fraud and deceptive practices: fake ads, requests for deposits, tampered mileage, and falsified identities. In this scenario, recognizing the so-called “red flags” becomes essential to avoid falling victim to a scam.

“Frauds in the used car market are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to detect, often hidden behind seemingly normal behaviors,” comments Marco Arban, Director of Business Development Europe at CARFAX. “Our goal is to help sellers and buyers recognize warning signs before it is too late, spreading a culture of verification and awareness. Only a transparent market can grow in a healthy and sustainable way.”

Red flags for buyers of used cars

Buyers may face increasingly sophisticated scams, often disguised as unmissable offers or seemingly reliable sellers. Recognizing suspicious signs is fundamental to avoid losing money or ending up with a stolen vehicle or one burdened with hidden problems.

1. Suspicious or inconsistent mileage: Do not let your guard down if the stated mileage is unusually low for the car’s age or condition. Odometers are often rolled back to inflate value and hide wear. To reduce this risk, check inspection records on the Portale dell’Automobilista, ask the seller for maintenance invoices, and buy a CARFAX report to see any additional mileage readings in the CARFAX database.

2. Price too low or immediate deposit request: Caution is advised when the car price is significantly below the market average or the seller asks for an upfront deposit, often urgently and through untraceable channels. This is a typical scam technique: the vehicle may not exist or may not belong to the seller, who disappears after collecting the money.

3. Inconsistent or altered Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Be careful if the VIN stamped on the vehicle does not match the provided documents or appears tampered. This is a clear risk signal: some fraudsters clone the VIN of a “clean” car to hide the illicit origin of a stolen vehicle.

4. Incomplete or unavailable documentation: It is important to stay alert when the seller avoids showing, or provides only partially, official documents such as the PRA/ACI report or digital ownership certificate. Unreported encumbrances—such as administrative blocks, liens, or active leases—may prevent circulation or resale of the car.

5. Signs of undisclosed repairs: Mismatched paint, non-original parts, unusually worn interiors, or photos that don’t match reality are red flags. These often indicate significant damage and quick, undisclosed repairs. Inspecting a car isn’t easy for non-experts, so it’s best to use a trusted mechanic. A CARFAX report can reveal damage and prior incidents if they have been reported to CARFAX.

Red flags for sellers of used cars

Sellers can also fall victim to increasingly sophisticated scams. Fake buyers use refined techniques to obtain money, sensitive data, or even take possession of the vehicle. Recognizing suspicious signs in time is the first step to protect oneself. Here are the main red flags identified by CARFAX:

1. Advance payment requests on fraudulent websites: A warning arises when the buyer proposes to finalize the deal on an external platform claiming to offer an “intermediation service” or “secure transport,” with convincing logos and graphics. The seller is asked to pay a small advance—for insurance, pickup, or guarantee—by clicking on a link received via email or messaging. In reality, the site is a fake copy created to collect payment or steal credit card data. Once the payment is made, the money disappears along with the fake buyer.

2. Request for reports from suspicious domains: Be cautious if the buyer sends, often via messaging apps, a link to purchase a car history report from an unknown domain or with unusual extensions, refusing to accept official reports. These are sites that imitate well-known brands just to collect money—between €20 and €60, or via hidden subscriptions—or to steal payment data. Once the transaction is completed, the “buyer” disappears, and the money is unrecoverable.

3. Unusual requests for personal data or codes: Be alert if the buyer asks to share an “One-Time-Password (OTP) received via SMS, scan a QR code, or send personal documents (driver’s license, ID card, tax code) “to verify identity.” This is a clear warning sign: this data is used to access the seller’s online accounts, authorize unwanted payments, or even steal the digital identity.

4. Abnormal behavior during the test drive: If the buyer insists on driving alone or asks the seller to step out “just for a moment,” it is best to immediately stop the test. This is a common theft scheme: the fraudster takes advantage of the distraction to flee with the car and keys. It is always recommended that the test takes place in safe locations, with the seller on board and after verifying the buyer’s identity.

5. Untraceable or unverifiable payments: A risk signal arises when the buyer proposes unclear payment methods or shows only informal proof, such as screenshots or digital receipts, refusing to wait for the actual credit to the account. In many cases, the bank transfer is revocable, counterfeit, or never made. Handing over the car, keys, or documents before bank confirmation can result in total loss.