How to Avoid Scams When Buying a Wheelchair Van

At BraunAbility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable wheelchair accessible vans through a trusted network of certified dealers. Unfortunately, as our reputation grows, so does the risk of bad actors trying to exploit it. Recently, we've seen a troubling increase in car buying scams, particularly on platforms like Facebook, where individuals are impersonating our company and posting fake listings for used cars or vans. These scammers are targeting potential buyers with deals that seem too good to be true, and sadly, some people are falling victim. 

These fraudulent listings often use our name, logo, and even photos of real BraunAbility vehicles to appear legitimate. But make no mistake, these sellers are not affiliated with us in any way. To help protect you and your loved ones, we want to share some important information about how to spot these scams and what to do if you come across one. 

No Upfront Payments without Seeing the Vehicle  

We understand that buying a mobility vehicle is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident in your purchase. We will never ask for upfront payments before you’ve had the chance to see the vehicle in person. Scammers, on the other hand, will often pressure you to send money quickly to “hold” the vehicle. Don’t fall for it, always insist on seeing the vehicle at a dealership before making any payments.  

Stay Safe and Spread the Word

We’re committed to protecting our customers and community from fraud. If you come across a suspicious listing or think you’ve encountered a scam, please report it to us immediately. And don’t hesitate to share this information with friends and family, awareness is the first step in stopping these scams.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Buying Scams

The following are frequent questions about car buying scams and how to avoid them:

1. What is the most common car scam? 

One of the most common scams involves a fake seller listing a vehicle online at a very low price. They often claim to be out-of-state or in the military and ask for payment upfront. Once the money is sent, the seller disappears, and the vehicle never arrives.

2. How do I avoid being scammed when buying a Wheelchair Van? 

Always buy through certified dealers, never send money before seeing the vehicle, and verify the vehicle’s VIN with a trusted source like Carfax. Be cautious of sellers who avoid questions, pressure you to act quickly, or offer deals that seem too good to be true.

3. Can a scammer do something with a VIN number? 

Yes. Scammers may use a real VIN from a legitimate vehicle to make their fake listing seem more believable. Always verify the VIN with a vehicle history report and compare it to the actual vehicle in person.

4. Why would a scammer want a picture of my car? 

Scammers may use your car’s photos to create fake listings and trick other buyers. If you’re selling a vehicle online, avoid sharing high-resolution images publicly or watermark your photos to protect them.

5. What are scams to look out for when selling a car on Craigslist? 

Common scams include buyers offering to pay more than the asking price, sending fake checks, or using fake escrow services. Always meet in person in a safe, public location and verify payment before handing over the vehicle.

What to do if you get scammed when buying a car 

Report the scam to your local police, the platform where the scam occurred (like Facebook or Craigslist), and your bank or payment provider. You can also notify BraunAbility if the scam involves someone impersonating our brand.