Selling your junk car should be simple, but not every buyer plays fair. Some use sneaky tactics to pay you less or disappear with your vehicle altogether. Before you hand over the keys, watch out for these common scams.
The Surprise Fee Game
Some companies advertise “free towing” but bury the real costs in fine print. They might tack on a processing fee, a handling charge, or a mysterious “title transfer” cost you weren’t warned about. Others will pick up your car and then deduct fees from your payment without telling you beforehand.
How to avoid it: Ask direct questions: “Is towing free? Are there any other fees that will come out of the quoted amount?” If they can’t give you a straight answer, take your business somewhere else.
The “We’ll Send Your Money Later” Trap
Another red flag is when a buyer promises to mail you a check after taking the car. This is almost always a bad sign. Once they have the vehicle, you lose leverage, and that check often never arrives.
How to avoid it: Only work with companies that pay you on the spot, in cash or verified funds. If someone says they’ll “send the payment later,” politely decline and move on.
Watch Out for Unverified Buyers
Not every company advertising junk car buying is legitimate. Some operate without proper licensing, disappear behind vague contact information, or lack any real presence online.These are often the companies that grab your attention with flashy offers to get you hooked, only to change the deal later or disappear altogether.
How to avoid it: Stick with buyers who are established and transparent. Opt for companies with verified reviews, a strong reputation, and industry credentials. For example, Wheelzy is BBB accredited, which means it meets the Better Business Bureau’s standards for trust and accountability. Working with verified companies gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll be treated fairly.