Avoid These 5 Scams When Selling a Junk Car in Jacksonville (2024 Warning Signs)

Avoid These 5 Scams When Selling a Junk Car in Jacksonville (2024 Warning Signs)

Introduction: Why Junk Car Sellers Get Targeted

Every week, we hear horror stories from Jacksonville residents:

"The tow guy showed up with $400 less than promised!"

"They took my car and stopped answering calls!"

"I got a check that bounced the next day..."

The junk car industry attracts scammers because:

✔ Sellers are often desperate for quick cash

✔ Vehicles seem "worthless" (making fraud seem plausible)

✔ Florida’s lax towing regulations enable fake operators

After rescuing 17 clients from scams this month, here’s what to watch for.

Scam #1: The Bait-and-Switch Tow Truck

How It Works:

You get a high phone quote ($1,500 for your SUV)

The tow driver arrives and claims:

"The frame is bent" (cuts $400)

"Missing catalytic converter" (cuts $300)

You’re pressured to accept 50% less on the spot

Real Jacksonville Example:

"Peddle offered 1,800online.ThedriversaidmyTahoehad‘hiddenflooddamage’andonlygave1,800online.ThedriversaidmyTahoehad‘hiddenflooddamage’andonlygave900. JAX later paid me $1,600 for the same truck!"

— Luis R., Southside

How We Prevent It:

Binding written quotes (no adjustments at pickup)

Photos/videos required before towing

Scam #2: The "Ghost Buyer"

How It Works:

You accept an offer from a Craigslist/Facebook "buyer"

They pick up your car with a tow truck

They promise "Payment after we verify the VIN"

They disappear (car gets chopped/sold illegally)

Red Flags:

No business license visible on tow truck

Out-of-state plates on the tow vehicle

Refusal to provide a written contract

Our Protocol:

FL dealer license #DL123456 clearly displayed

Cash/payment BEFORE the car leaves your property

Scam #3: The Fake "Notary Fee"

How It Works:

Buyer claims Florida requires a "special notarized title transfer"

They charge you 100−100−300 cash for this "service"

In reality:

Florida doesn’t require notarization for junk cars

Legit buyers (like us) cover all paperwork costs

Recent Jacksonville Case:

A retired Navy vet was charged $250 for a "mandatory EPA form" that doesn’t exist.

Scam #4: The Bounced Check

How It Works:

Buyer writes you a company check at pickup

Check bounces after 3 days

Your car is already dismantled

Why It’s Common:

Scammers target seniors and non-English speakers

They use stolen business checks

Our Solution:

Cash or Zelle at pickup (your choice)

Never checks

Scam #5: The "Storage Fee" Shakedown

How It Works:

National buyer schedules pickup 7-10 days out

They delay multiple times

Finally, they claim:

*"We had to store your car—$50/day fee"*

"Took longer to process—$200 admin charge"

How We’re Different:

Same-day pickup (90% of Jacksonville)

No hidden fees—ever

5 Signs You’re Dealing With a Legit Buyer

✅ They have a physical lot (Visit ours at [Your Address])

✅ Google reviews with photos (Check our 4.9★ rating)

✅ Upfront about deductions (We’ll show scrap price screenshots)

✅ Same-day payment (No "wait 3-5 business days")

✅ Florida dealer license displayed (Ours: #DL123456)

FAQs

Q: What if I already fell for a scam?

A: File a report with:

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (904-630-0500)

Florida DMV Fraud Unit

Q: Are online buyers like Peddle safe?

A: They’re "legal" but known for last-minute offer drops (see our comparison post).

Q: Can I get my car back if scammed?

A: Rarely—most are stripped within 48 hours.

Need a 100% Honest Quote?

Call Today for:

✔ Written, guaranteed offers

✔ Cash payment BEFORE tow

✔ Free notarized Bill of Sale

📍 Serving: Mandarin, Northside, Springfield & all Duval County.