A person who wants to buy my car wants me to transfer the title before the checks clear, is this a scam?

Question

He said he plans to pay with a check from a credit union and a check

Answer 1

tell him to wait till the check is cleared. he can get his money back if you dont transfer the title so he has nothing to lose.

Answer 2

Dont! Trust me never take a check! Cash only

Answer 3

if it doesnt sound right, its probably not.

Answer 4

very likely. credit union will give a certified check for the full amount if they're asked and the money is there. this is a service of the credit union and is no cost to the account holder.

Answer 5

Absolutely a scam. Definitely wait until the check clears. If he starts pressuring you to transfer the title, cancel the sale, or at the very least, ignore him. He's a scammer. Avoid doing business with him in the future.

Answer 6

I agree, tell him if he wants the car faster to just go and get cash.

Otherwise he would have to wait, if you transfer title before the checks clear and they don't clear, then you have a long drawn out court process to go through and you may win the judgement and all but if he didn't have the cash in the first place what makes you think he would have it then?

Don't do it!

Answer 7

I don't know if it's a scam or not.  Nobody does.  But you're not that desperate.  He can buy the car like a civilized person or not at all.

Answer 8

I do not think it to be a safe procedure. What happens if the check bounces? You have transferred the title but do not have the funds. You could then be facing exoensive legal costs.

Answer 9

What you can do is to make him pay with a bank check, or a certified check. That way he wont be able to cancel them and the money will definitely be in his account. Don't accept a personal check without some kind of garauntee, if he still wants to pay with a personal check, meet him at his bank, and go in with him and have them give you cash. Don't sign over the title until you have the money available in your bank account.

Answer 10

Always always let the cheque clear. With any money transfer be sure to have the money in your account before you hand over the goods.

If they don't like it then the only thing you've lost is some time and not your money and posession.

Answer 11

bank transfer from account to account would be the equivalent?

that just sounds like a scam :|

Answer 12

sounds like it to me, id definatly wait until the check clears...usually 14 days...or just ask him for cash or a cashiers check from your bank...

Answer 13

Clear the check first.  Only safe way to do it.

Answer 14

well now that woul dbe so smart of you to do that wouldnt it sign it over and wait for money  ..... sure all it would take to get your car after you sign the tittle its his and no money  is a good chance you wil never see it.. easy you say sorry cash only

Answer 15

Tell him,"no thanks, I'll wait" and if he gets mad, seriously back away.

Good Luck!

Answer 16

Maybe you can call the bank and ask if there are sufficient funds.  I don't know if you can do that or not, but it's worth a try.  I know businesses do it.

Answer 17

dont take a check you tell him you got money in the bank . bring me cash in hand ,its a scam once you sign over the title the car is he's and he's bad check will bounce makeing bank fee's ,you hold onto the car and the title till the check clears through your bank before you relase it.

Answer 18

I wouldn't agree to that. Smells funny to me.

Answer 19

DO NOT transfer the title until that check is clear!!!!

Here's why.  If the check bounces, he gets the car, you get nothing.

He can still cancel the check before it clears.  Again, he gets the car, you get nothing.

NEVER ever transfer documents until payment is RECEIVED.  As in, the check clears.