The junk car industry has some bad actors. Learn how to spot fake checks, bait-and-switch quotes, and title transfer scams.
The Wild West of Scrap
While most towing companies are honest hardworking businesses, the industry attracts scammers because it involves CASH and FAST TRANSACTIONS. If you are selling a car for the first time, you are a target.
Here are the 5 most common scams we see in the Wisconsin market, and how to verify you are dealing with a legit company like {businessInfo.name}.
Scam 1: The “Bait and Switch” (Classic)
The Pitch: They quote you $1,000 on the phone. Amazingly high! The Trap: The driver arrives, puts the car on the hook, and then says: “Oh, the manager said the market crashed. I can only give you $300.” The Pressure: They rely on you being desperate or intimidated. They already have the car hooked up.
How to Avoid:
- Get the quote in writing (Text/Email).
- Ask: “Is this a guaranteed price?”
- Rule: If they try to change the price for no valid reason (like missing parts), tell them to unhook the car and leave.
Scam 2: The “Check is in the Mail”
The Pitch: “Our driver doesn’t carry cash for safety. We will mail you a corporate check tomorrow.” The Trap: The check never comes. Or it arrives 2 weeks later for half the amount. The Reality: Once they have your car and title, you have zero leverage.
How to Avoid:
- Rule: Payment on pickup. ALWAYS. Cash, Company Check (handed to you), or instant electronic transfer (Zelle/Venmo). Never let the car leave without payment in hand.
Scam 3: The “Title Wash” (Liability Trap)
The Pitch: “Don’t worry about signing the title, I’ll handle the paperwork for you.” The Trap: They don’t transfer the title. They fix the car cheaply and sell it to a criminal or use it for joyriding. The car is still in YOUR NAME. The Outcome: You get parking tickets, toll violations, or police knocking on your door when the car is used in a robbery.
How to Avoid:
- Rule: ALWAYS remove your license plates.
- Rule: ALWAYS sign the Seller section of the title yourself.
- Rule: Report the sale to the DMV immediately.
Scam 4: The “Towing Fee” Surprise
The Pitch: “We pay $500 for the car!” The Trap: They hand you $500. Then they say: “Okay, that’s $150 for the tow service.” The Result: You only net $350.
How to Avoid:
- Ask explicitly: “Is towing included? Are there any fees?”
- {businessInfo.name} always offers 100% Free Towing. The money we offer is the money you keep.
Scam 5: The “Flyer” Guys
The Pitch: You find a handwritten flyer on your car. “I BUY JUNK CARS - CASH”. The Trap: These are often unlicensed, uninsured illegal scrappers. They might strip the car in a back alley and dump the carcass on the street… with the VIN still registered to you.
How to Avoid:
- Verify they are a licensed business. Do they have a website? Do they have a physical address? Is the truck marked with a DOT number?
Summary
If an offer sounds too good to be true (e.g., $1,500 for a rusty 2002 Cavalier), it is a scam. Stick to established, reputable companies with local addresses and reviews. Protect yourself. Protect your ID. Sell smart.