What Is Curbstoning in Used Car Sales?
Learn how curbstoning scams work—and what you can do if you’ve been tricked by a fake private seller.
It Looked Like a Great Deal… Until It Was Too Late
When Marcus saw the ad online for a used car just down the street, it seemed perfect.
Low mileage. Clean title. Priced thousands below the market.
The man selling it claimed it was his daughter’s old car, and he needed to get rid of it quickly.
They met in a parking lot. Handshake. Cash deal. No red flags.
But two weeks later, the car broke down.
Then came the real surprise: The vehicle had a branded salvage title, multiple past owners, and had been illegally resold by someone not licensed to sell cars.
Marcus had just been scammed by curbstoning—an illegal car selling practice that tricks everyday buyers into thinking they’re dealing with a trustworthy private seller.
What Is Curbstoning in Car Sales?
Curbstoning car sales refers to the illegal practice of selling cars without a dealer’s license—usually by pretending to be a fake private seller.
These sellers often flip multiple cars every month, parking them on street corners, vacant lots, or even in front of someone else’s house.
They post ads on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp, and their listings usually sound like this:
“Selling my grandma’s car—low miles, great shape, priced to sell fast!”
In reality, they may be flipping salvaged, flood-damaged, or lemon vehicles that were bought at auction and cleaned up just enough to look decent.
And once the deal is done?
They vanish—leaving the buyer with a mess.
Why Is Curbstoning Illegal?
There’s a reason states require used car dealers to be licensed.
Licensed dealers must follow rules that protect buyers—such as:
- Providing disclosures about past damage
- Offering valid paperwork
- Ensuring the car’s title is clean and accurate
Curbstoners skip all that.
They hide behind a fake identity, make no promises, and walk away with your money—often leaving you with a car that’s worth far less than you paid.
And in many cases, these fake private sellers commit title fraud, odometer rollback, or VIN tampering—all serious offenses.
⚖️ California Law: Curbstoning Is a Crime in This State
In California, curbstoning is strictly prohibited under the California Vehicle Code Section 11700 et seq., which requires anyone selling more than 5 vehicles in a 12-month period to have a valid dealer license.
Selling vehicles without a license—and pretending to be a private seller—is illegal. Violators can face:
- Fines
- Vehicle impoundment
- Criminal penalties for fraud
If a seller fails to disclose damage, tampered mileage, or title issues, you may also have rights under California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law, both of which protect buyers from deceptive sales practices.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake Private Seller
If you’re wondering whether you’ve been a victim of curbstoning, here are some common warning signs:
🔴 The car is parked on a street or empty lot
Not at the seller’s home. Not at a dealership.
🔴 The seller asks to meet somewhere “convenient”
Often in parking lots or gas stations.
🔴 The seller’s name isn’t on the car title
They claim it’s a family member’s or “just didn’t get around to transferring it.”
🔴 The same phone number appears on multiple listings
Search the seller’s number online—you may find other cars posted using the same contact info.
🔴 No willingness to provide ID or sign a proper bill of sale
What Happens If You Bought a Car From a Curbstoner?
You may be left with:
- A car with a salvage title you didn’t know about
- A vehicle that can’t pass inspection
- A lien or repossession threat from the actual owner
- No legal recourse against the seller if things go wrong
But you’re not out of options.
Our firm has helped countless buyers hold curbstoners accountable, and in some cases, recover compensation for:
- Fraudulent misrepresentation
- Violations of consumer protection laws
- Title washing and odometer fraud
Legal Help for Curbstoning Victims
At our law firm, we’ve seen all the tricks fake sellers use.
We know how to track down the individuals behind the scam, build a solid case, and pursue compensation for buyers who’ve been deceived.
Here’s what we offer:
- Free case review to assess your situation
- Investigation of the seller’s history and records
- Legal action to recover money or reverse the sale
- Peace of mind that someone is fighting for you
How We Build Your Case
Our attorneys focus on evidence and outcomes.
We work to show that:
- The seller posed as a private individual
- The car had known issues not disclosed at sale
- You were intentionally misled or sold an unsafe vehicle
- The seller has a pattern of curbstoning
This isn’t just about a bad deal. It’s about fraud—and the law is on your side.
Why Work With Us?
We’ve helped clients recover money after buying cars with:
- Hidden salvage or flood history
- Rolled-back odometers
- Stolen or altered VINs
- Illegal title transfers
- Fake emissions or safety inspection stickers
We don’t just understand the laws around curbstoning—we enforce them.
Let us help you get justice, hold the seller accountable, and protect your financial future.
Don’t Wait—Act Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve been scammed by a fake private seller, time is critical.
These sellers disappear quickly, and evidence can fade fast.
The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances of recovering your money or getting the vehicle legally returned.
✅ Schedule Your Free Case Review Today
Let’s talk.
Tell us what happened. We’ll review your case for free and explain your best options.
We’ve helped others. Now it’s your turn.
📞 Call Now or fill out the form to schedule your free consultation.