Selling a junk car can be a complicated process for some vehicle owners. To keep from getting too frustrated, your best bet is to contact a well-known local auto wrecker in Fort Lauderdale with your questions or concerns before moving forward. This is an important step—especially since the majority of people wanting to get rid of junk cars don’t know how to spot scam artists.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid the most common junk car buyer scams:
- All junk cars have some value: Even though junk vehicles aren’t worth as much as operational vehicles, they are still worth a small amount of cash. That said, stop talking to a junkyard the moment they say your car is not worth anything—especially if they claim they’ll be doing you a favor by hauling it away for you for free. The truth is that most junk cars still have valuable parts that can be taken out before the metal is scrapped.
- Con artists use confusion tactics: All scammers are quick talkers. They have no problem lying, and their fast talking is meant to confuse you. A shady junk car business won’t be honest. They tend to find their way around answering reasonable questions. Pushiness is another tactic in their games, along with pressuring folks to agree to false terms while slyly hooking the junk car up to the tow truck. If you feel like you’re being taken advantage of, walk away.
- A check by mail probably won’t come: The best deal for you is to sell your junk car for cash. Don’t fall for a junkyard telling you they’ll tow your vehicle now and send you a check in the mail later, because chances are you will never receive the check. Be sure to have the cash payment in your hand before the company tows the car away. This doesn’t mean all check payments for junk cars are scams—just do your research on a company beforehand.
- You shouldn’t have to pay for the tow: A reputable junkyard business does not demand their customers pay for the tow. Either the cost of towing is already in the payment agreement or you’re offered cash with a free tow. Make sure to clarify who is responsible for tow fees before the car is on the tow truck or already transported to the junkyard. The last thing you want is a bill in the mail for a tow service that should’ve been included in the quote.
- Get the quote in writing: One of the biggest scams in the junk car business is changing the quote after an agreement between both parties has already been reached. The scammer gives a firm price over the phone, but gives you a much lower number when they show up with the tow truck. Or, they may tow it away, then tell you the offer has changed.
Junk Car Dog is a trustworthy local auto wrecker in Fort Lauderdale. Call us today to get fast cash for your junk car!