Common Junk Car Scams (And How to Avoid Them)

Selling a junk car should be quick and straightforward — but the industry attracts a handful of dishonest operators who prey on sellers who don't know what to expect. The scams below are real, they happen in Georgia regularly, and they are all avoidable once you know the playbook. Understanding what a legitimate transaction looks like is the best protection you have.

Scam #1: Bait-and-Switch Quote

This is the most common scam in the industry. A buyer quotes you $450 over the phone, you schedule a pickup, and when they arrive they inspect the car and announce it's "not as described" — offering $200 instead. The car hasn't changed; the buyer is gambling that once the tow truck is in your driveway, you'll accept rather than reschedule. Legitimate buyers honor their quote as long as your description was accurate. Always describe your vehicle's condition honestly so you can hold the buyer to their number.

Scam #2: Hidden Towing Fees

Some buyers advertise "top dollar for your junk car" but bury a towing fee in the fine print. A $350 quote becomes $150 after a "$200 towing charge." This fee may not be disclosed until the driver is loading your car. Always ask explicitly: "Is towing included in the quote, or is there an additional charge?" and get the answer before any paperwork is signed. Reputable buyers like RidOfMyCar.com include free towing — the price you're quoted is exactly what you receive.

Scam #3: Check or Money Order Payment

Cash is the standard for junk car transactions in Georgia. A buyer who insists on paying by personal check, money order, Venmo, Zelle, or any non-cash method is a red flag. Checks can bounce, Venmo transfers can be reversed, and money orders can be counterfeit. Demand cash — physical bills — at the time of pickup. If a buyer claims they "don't carry cash," end the transaction and call someone else.

Scam #4: Title Fraud

Some unscrupulous buyers take your title and car but never formally transfer ownership with the Georgia DMV. If the vehicle is later involved in a crime, causes an accident, or racks up parking tickets, you could receive notices in your name. Always ask the buyer for a receipt showing their business name and the VIN of the vehicle. After the sale, you can notify the Georgia Department of Revenue that you've sold the vehicle to document the transfer date. Cancel your insurance only after confirming the title has cleared.

Scam #5: "We Need Your Keys to Inspect"

A buyer who asks for your keys before agreeing on a price is trying to take control of the negotiation. Once they have the keys, they may claim they can't start the car (regardless of whether it runs), use that as leverage to drop the offer, or simply stall until you feel pressured to accept. Never hand over keys until cash and price are both agreed upon. If a car is non-running, an inspection doesn't require keys.

Scam #6: National Lead Generator Quotes

Many national "junk car quote" websites are not buyers — they're lead aggregators that sell your contact information to local buyers and collect a referral fee. The high quote you see is a marketing number, not a real offer from the buyer who will actually show up. By the time a local buyer gets your lead (sometimes days later), they'll quote their own number, which may be far lower. Ask every website: "Are you the actual buyer, or do you sell my lead to someone else?"

Scam #7: Verbal-Only Agreement

A buyer who refuses to confirm anything in writing — no text, no email, no printed quote — gives themselves room to change the offer without accountability. Request confirmation of the quoted price via text message before scheduling pickup. A simple "confirming we'll pay $[amount] for your [year/make/model] at [address]" is enough. If the buyer refuses, that's a sign they plan to renegotiate on arrival.

Red Flags Summary

What a Legitimate Transaction Looks Like

Frequently Asked Questions