Buying a car online? DMV warns New Yorkers to beware of scam
As of Oct. 15, the DMV recovered 228 stolen vehicles. Of those 228, 149 vehicles were purchased on Facebook Marketplace or similar internet sites.
A scam is probably the last thing on your mind when driving out of the lot in your new car, but the Department of Motor Vehicles says buyers should beware.
"Well-meaning people who are looking to buy a car and saw ads and these sites, they connect with what appears to be a private seller. The person asked to meet in a public place, not a dealership," said DMV Commisioner Mark Schroeder.
As of Oct. 15, the DMV recovered 228 stolen vehicles. Of those 228, 149 vehicles were purchased on Facebook Marketplace or similar internet sites.
The DMV says a lot of the reports are in the NY metropolitan area.
DMV tips to avoid being scammed:
Make sure the seller has a title in his or her name
Use a cashier's check made out to the seller
Make sure the VIN on the vehicle matches the title
Be weary of out-of-state title or registration
