Scam Information

Buyer Beware 

The Broomfield Police Department has recently taken reports of potential odometer fraud and similar issues from buyers purchasing vehicles from private sellers. The following are some tips from the BPD’s Economic Crimes Unit that can help you have a better buying experience:

• Get a vehicle history report. If the buyer does not provide one,  ask for the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) so you can order a history report yourself. Examples of where to purchase a report include Carfax and AutoCheck. A single report typically costs less than $50.
• In addition to a vehicle history report, use the VIN to do some limited research on the National Insurance Crime Bureau website. This will allow you to see if the vehicle was ever “reported stolen and not recovered,” or whether it has a salvage title (meaning an insurance company declared it a total loss).
• Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to check for past vehicle recalls.
• Check websites such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to see if the seller’s asking price seems fair. Make sure you’re comparing the price to the private-party value.
• When arranging to see a private sellers' vehicle, meet in a public place such as the parking lot of the Broomfield Police Department. 
• Bring a family member or friend with you to the meeting.
• Do a visual inspection of the vehicle.
• Try to meet during the day so it’s easier to see as you visually inspect the vehicle’s interior and exterior. Look for things like worn tires and gas pedals with very low mileage, which could indicate odometer tampering.
• Ask for proof of insurance and test drive the vehicle.
• When you and the seller agree upon a price, ensure it's contingent upon the vehicle passing your mechanic's inspection. You can also ask the seller to bring the car's service records to this meeting.