HONOLULU (KHON2) – Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most of us will make. But when it comes time to buy, it can be hard to know if you’re really getting a good deal or if you’re getting scammed.
The Better Business Bureau shared expert advice to help you shop smarter, avoid surprises and feel confident when it’s time to sign on the dotted line.
Cameron Nakashima with the BBB said the biggest scams hide in plain sight, and many today start online.
- Scammers may post listings for cars they don’t actually have—so watch out for sellers who refuse to meet in person, ask for payment upfront, or use vague contact information.
- Impostors or online account takeovers. Fraudsters take over existing business accounts, make look-alikes, or they will take over accounts for a dealership that recently closed.
- Also, watch out for dealership tactics like bait and switch pricing, and hidden fees or unexpected add-ons like unnecessary warranties, service packages, or accessories that weren’t in the original listing. According to the FTC, deceptive auto sales tactics like hidden fees and bait-and-switch scams cost Americans more than $3.4 billion and waste 72 million hours each year. That’s a lot of time and money into something much more productive.
Nakashima said a good deal starts with good research. It’s the first step in making sure a deal doesn’t turn into a disaster.
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- Always research the make, model, and fair market value of the vehicle you’re interested in.
- Look up the dealership or seller on BBB.org to check for a history of complaints, ratings or red flags.
- Ask for a vehicle history report (like Carfax or AutoCheck). It should show major repairs, accidents, odometer rollbacks, or if the car was ever declared a salvage vehicle.
- Pause before you pay.
- Never pay with wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—those payment methods are often untraceable and are favorites of scammers.
- If you’re buying from a private seller, get the deal in writing and use a bill of sale.
- Have the vehicle independently inspected by a trusted mechanic—even if it “looks fine.” Online photos can be deceiving.
- And if something feels off, walk away.
- When in doubt, check it out with BBB. BBB is here to help you shop smarter—not just faster. If you’re unsure, take a beat, check the business, and make sure you’re buying with confidence.