I would venture to say that the majority of people are honest and upfront, but since there are some out there that are a little more unscrupulous I would like to bring a few things to your attention regarding the buying or selling a car using the internet, or any other long distance media.  In particular, there are scams that you should be aware of.  One rule of thumb to go by is this... "If it sounds too good to be true…..  It IS too good to be true!" 

SELLERS:  There are scams where the buyer promises to buy the car, but can't come get it himself, so he is sending a courier that will bring a Cashiers Check or a Money Order, and it will be for more than the cost of the car.  They will ask you to give the 'difference' to the courier for his fee in delivering the car.  Here's the rule... "NEVER give them money back" Period!

You need also to realize that 'Cashiers Checks' and 'Money Orders' are not the same as cash, so unless you personally know the person offering this form of payment 'don't' accept it.  Require the person take it to their bank and bring you cash, or go with them to their bank and have the bank teller write you a 'new' cashiers check that you can then deposit into your account.  If it is your bank, you can have it deposited into your account.  Let the bank validate the identity of the person, that's their job.  If you do decide to accept a cashiers check, don't cry when you get burned.  I always require a 'Bank Wire transfer', this is the safest way to transfer money, Period!  Or, there is always 'Western Union'.  Both will yield 'cash' in your account, but you still will need to verify the transfer was made, and that the money is actually in your account.  This is simple, just ask your banker to verify the funds are there and available.  If funds are there, but 'pending', simply insist on waiting till funds are clear and available before releasing any property, or signing any papers.

Also, 'NEVER' give out personal information, like your date of birth, or your social security number.  If they ask for this, they are thieves looking for any way they can steal from you.  Sale of a car does not require any of that type of info.  If you want to  require a 'Bank Wire transfer', you will need to provide certain banking information, but go to your bank and get this from the your banker, give them the details of the transfer so they will be on the alert regarding your account.  If they see anything 'fishy' they will know what to do to protect you.  I have never known of an instance where others can access a withdraw on your account, unless you have authorized it, so be sure your banker knows it is only to be a deposit of funds by the party you are dealing with.  Just always be sure you know who you are doing business with.  I always make sure I can talk to, and get a physical location on, the party I am dealing with.  If they are not willing to provide this information, they probably are hiding something.  Better it is to lose a deal and still have your car, than to Lose your car, and the deal.

Vehicle Transportation:  If your buyer wants you to ship the car to him, don't do it!   After you know his funds have cleared the bank, and you know you have a solid sale, you can assist him by offering to have the car ready for transport, and by cooperating with the  transport company he hires.  That way it is his responsibility once the car leaves your driveway.  Be sure the driver does a detailed inspection report and gives you a signed copy.  Signed by you, and the driver, verifying the car's condition 'before' it leaves your sight.  This is your ace in the hole, should any damage occur during transport.  By doing this, you will be putting the transport responsibility on the buyer, where it should be.  It will be up to him to know who he is hiring.  If you are the buyer, we recommend you be sure that the company you hire 1) has a non-refundable deposit, 2) gives you a delivery date in writing, 3) has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau in their hometown, and 4) get personal references if you can.  If in doubt, contact the Dept of Transportation.

BUYERS:  I have bought many a car over a great distance, and never had a bad experience, but….  (there's that "but") I also follow a few "buyers rules", which are nothing more than common sense things you probably know, but may ignore if you are excited about the car your want to buy.  If possible, I always 'personally' go look at the car.  If it's a hundred miles away, or a thousand miles away, I go look at it.  If nothing else, it will be a nice drive.  There have been times where this was not possible.  Here's what I do... I hire someone to look at a the car for me.  There are many appraisal or inspection services on the internet, just look for one near the area where the car is and call them, that professional person will either do the inspection, or refer you to someone closer, either way you have a professional in your pocket.  If you can't find someone in this field, google 'car clubs' in the area of the car, maybe a fellow rodder would take a look at the car for you.  I have bought cars on eBay, without anyone looking at it, but only when the seller provided me with excellent photos and full documentation on the mechanical work performed on the vehicle.  Regardless of photos, documentation, or anything else, nothing is better than looking at the car in person.

Vehicle Transportation:  As the buyer, it is your responsibility to get the car where you want it after purchasing it.  After you know his funds have cleared the bank, and you have the paperwork on the car, you can hire a Transport Company to pick-up and deliver the car to wherever you designate.  The seller should be willing to assist you by having the car ready for transport, and by cooperating with the  transport company you hire.  Be sure the driver does a detailed inspection report and gets the sellers signature on it, in addition to his signature, and you get this signed copy before he unloads the car. This document  verifies the car's condition when it left the sellers driveway.  This is your ace in the hole, should you find any damage not listed on the report that may have occurred during transport.  This puts the Transport Responsibility on the seller and the Transport Company, where it should be.  It is up to you to know who you're hiring.  I recommend you be sure that the company you hire 1) has a non-refundable deposit, 2) gives you a delivery date in writing, 3) has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau in their hometown, and 4) get personal references if you can.  If in doubt, contact the Dept of Transportation.