A common sense approach in avoiding those scams designed to take your money includes:

Tips for Buyers

1. Use the CARFAX service. On each vehicle detail page, there is a link for a vehicle history report. Use it.
   
   
2. Use the vehicle inspection guide or an inspection service to verify the condition of the vehicle before you purchase.
   
   
3. Verify the sellers information. You may need to contact the seller after the sale for additional information.
   
   
4. If the seller information does not match the owner information on the title, find out why. The DMV may require additional information before you can register the vehicle.
   
   
5. Make sure the seller has a clear title that has been properly released from any liens.
   
   
6. Get a receipt for the sale. Ask the seller to annotate on the receipt any known problems with the vehicle. Also annotate whether there is a warranty involved or if the sale is for the vehicle "as is".
   
   
7. If a deal sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
   
   

Tips for Sellers

1. Beware of handling transactions with people you have not had a physical meeting with. Dealing with local people is best.
   
   
2.  Beware of people asking you for information on your vehicle when that information is already posted on the website.
   
   
3. Beware of people asking for your lowest price before they have looked at the vehicle.
   
   
4. Beware of a buyer claiming to be an agent for someone else.
   
   
5. Never accept funds via money order or moneygrams.  Even cashier checks can be bad.  If a check or money order is fake, your bank may hold you responsible for it
   
   
6. Never let someone write you a check for over the required amount and then ask for a check from you for the difference. The person is most probably trying to get your account number from your check.
   
   
7. Never give out any account numbers as they can be used to get more information.
   
   
8. Avoid using escrow services of the buyers choice.  If you have to use one, it should be one of your choice that you are familiar with.
   
   
9. Do not ship the merchandise before the buyer's check has had time to process and bounce if it is going to.
   
   
10. If a deal sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
    
    

The following are an examples of the type of emails that you should avoid:

Message: Hello Seller, Good day mr/ mrs how is the family over there, i saw your advert on the net about to sell your CAR and i am interested in buying from you, please i 'll like to know the present condition of the CAR and also the last price, i talked to my manager concerning this CAR , which he has also showned so much interest and made me understand that it'll be fine for our marketing. Therefore, i will advice that you take of the advert from the internet, since i am pleased with what i saw, and i am really ready to buy from you, i will be very greatfull if you consider me and give me the chance to buy from you. Thanks for your anticipated cooperations, i look forward to hearing from you, soonest. Best Regards.... Maracha.

The headers from this particular message indicates that it is coming from Europe. Ask yourself why someone in Europe be interested in a car from the United States.
From: <maracha_leon@yahoo.co.uk>
Reply-To: maracha_leon@yahoo.co.uk



Message: Hello , We purchase, Pick-up, Deliver Automobiles & watercrafts for our clients when contracted. At present, we have a client who has indicated interest in your ( vehicle ) that was advertised on the net. Please we would want to know if it's still availiable and if it is, Send me: (i)The final/bottom price of the vehicle . (ii)Recent pictures of the vehicle . (iii)Why you are selling the vehicle. (iv)How long the vehicle has been for sale. (v)If the vehicle has a clear title (vi)The condition of the vehicle. (vii)Any other detail you may wish to give us. The above questions are part of our company policy when purchasing automobiles & watercrafts, So don't find them embarrasing to answer. I hope to hear from you soon. Have a splendid day