Match the vehicle
Compare the VIN shown on the vehicle with the title/ownership documents and the information provided in the listing.
AUTOPLUG SAFETY CENTER
Slow down and verify before money changes hands.
A vehicle sale involves real money, legal documents and personal information. AutoPlug adds useful checks, but you should still verify the car, the person and the transaction independently.
01EmailAccount contact check
02MobileReachability check
03IdentityPrivate seller verification
VERIFIED SELLER
A verification signal helps establish account identity. It does not guarantee vehicle condition, ownership, listing accuracy or future conduct.
BUYER SAFETY
Before you buy
A good-looking listing is only the beginning. Check the vehicle and transaction through sources that don't depend only on the seller.
Review its history
Use a reputable vehicle-history source and review title, odometer and available accident or damage information.
Inspect independently
Consider a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic you choose, even when a history report looks clean.
Check open recalls
Use the official NHTSA recall lookup with the vehicle's VIN before completing the purchase.
Confirm the seller
Check that the person selling the vehicle can demonstrate the authority and documentation needed to complete the transfer.
Control the payment
Do not let urgency push you into an unusual payment method, off-platform link or transaction you do not understand.
The FTC advises that a vehicle-history report is not a substitute for an independent vehicle inspection. Read FTC used-car guidance →
SELLER SAFETY
Protect your account, your car and the handoff.
A legitimate buyer won't need your AutoPlug password or pressure you to release the vehicle before you confirm payment.
01Protect your accountNever give a buyer your password, one-time verification code or account recovery information.
02Protect your documentsShare only what is needed for a legitimate transaction. Do not send unnecessary identity or financial documents through general chat or support forms.
03Meet thoughtfullyUse a safe public location when practical, tell someone where you are and use extra care before handing over keys for a test drive.
04Verify paymentConfirm funds through the actual financial institution or payment provider before releasing the vehicle, keys or signed title.
05Follow transfer rulesComplete the title, plate and ownership-transfer requirements that apply in your state. Keep copies of appropriate transaction records.
SCAM RED FLAGS
Pause when something doesn't add up.
One warning sign doesn't always mean fraud, but pressure, conflicting information or unusual payment instructions are reasons to stop and verify.
RED FLAG 01
Pressure to pay immediately before you can inspect or verify the vehicle.
RED FLAG 02
Requests for gift cards, crypto, unusual wire instructions or payment through an unfamiliar link.
RED FLAG 03
A seller who refuses reasonable VIN, ownership or identity consistency checks.
RED FLAG 04
A buyer who sends an overpayment and asks you to return the difference.
RED FLAG 05
Requests for passwords, security codes, recovery links or unnecessary identity documents.
RED FLAG 06
A price or story that changes once you move the conversation away from the original listing.
BEFORE MONEY OR KEYS MOVE
Do the final four.
Use this as a last pause before completing a private-party transaction.
- 1
VehicleVIN and physical vehicle match the documents you reviewed.
- 2
Seller / buyerThe person and transaction information are consistent.
- 3
PaymentFunds and payment instructions are confirmed through the actual provider.
- 4
TransferYou understand the title and ownership-transfer steps required where you live.
OFFICIAL RESOURCES
Verify outside the listing.
AutoPlug can make these resources easier to reach, while the underlying safety information stays with the appropriate official source.
NHTSA
Check for Recalls
Look up open vehicle safety recalls using the VIN or supported vehicle information.
Open official resource →FTCUsed Car Guidance
Review federal consumer guidance for researching and inspecting a used vehicle before purchase.
Open official resource →FTCReport Fraud
If you believe you encountered fraud, the FTC provides an official reporting channel.
Open official resource →SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS?
Tell AutoPlug before someone else gets hurt.
Use AutoPlug Support and choose Safety / Fraud. Include the listing reference and a concise description, but never send passwords, one-time codes, full card numbers or government-ID images in the general support form.