Is it a scam if someone wants to know the VIN # of the car I've listed for sale on CraigsList?

Question

I've never tried to sell anything on CraigList before, but I've seen their warnings about scams. Someone just replied to the car I have listed asking for more info and the VIN #. Is it normal for a buyer to want the VIN #. Are they trying to research the car on CarFax to see if it's been totalled, or is this some kind of scam? If it's a scam what can they do with the VIN #?

Answer 1

Could be either, but I wouldn't worry too much about it if you have the title.

The only real illegal thing he could do with your VIN # is use it to try to get a key made at a dealership.  However, most dealerships are now onto this attempt at stealing cars so they won't do it.

In addition, anyone could view your VIN if it is parked in a parking lot or even in your driveway.

Chances are, he just wants to run a CarFax.  Regardless, I wouldn't worry about it.  He will get the VIN one way or another if he really wants it.  

Answer 2

You should have listed the VIN in the ad to save them the trouble of asking.  How do you think they get a CarFax report without the VIN?

A scam is when you offer it for $8,000 and they send you a 'cashers check' for $10,000 and ask you to give their 'shipping agent' the $2,000 for shipping charges.  You do so, and the check turns out to be bogus, you have no car and you're out $2,000.  That's the normal scam.

Answer 3

not necessarily.  It is just smart buying to find out the history of the vehicle

Answer 4

Yeah usually people ask for VIN #'s they use it for the CarFax. My cousin sold his Acura Integra and gave the person who wanted to buy it the VIN #.

Answer 5

It's perfectly normal. They want to check the VIN# on carfax. You do realize that anyone can get the VIN# by looking at the front of the dashboard on the driver's side?

Answer 6

A license plate or your social security number is one thing, but don't get paranoid over a VIN.  Please.

Go bust out a Haynes manual for your particular car and check out the VIN decoder in it.  There is nothing of use for a scammer in a VIN.