US used-car scams rise with online marketplaces

Consumer fraud in the US used‑car market is becoming harder to detect as scammers exploit online listings, private‑seller platforms and AI‑generated documents. An estimated 2.45 million vehicles on US roads may have rolled‑back odometers, and more than 480,000 water‑damaged cars were returned to the road last year, according to CARFAX.

Analyst Patrick Peterson of GoodCar.com warns that sellers often conceal damage or mileage, while attorney Michael Akiva notes that undisclosed issues typically emerge only after a purchase, such as hidden flood damage. Common tactics include "curbstoning" – unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers – and the movement of damaged vehicles across state lines.

Buyers are urged to verify vehicle histories, check titles, and be wary of sellers who avoid face‑to‑face meetings or use multiple listings tied to the same contact number.