GLENDALE, AZ -- It's troubling how many people are buying big ticket items like cars, at face value and paying with cash.
They take it home and find it is a piece of junk or not as advertised.
Craigslist is a huge place for unscrupulous sellers to hide.
When it comes to cars, the prices can't be beat and most every ad promises a quality product.
But James from Glendale emailed the Investigators recently saying he got duped.
"I got ripped off big time by deceptive advertising on a car. I bought it from a private party on Craigslist. He still has almost a dozen ads," James says.
Folks, you can't trust anybody you don't know.
And there are red flags all over this one.
James goes on to say that the person selling the car wouldn't even meet with him.
He instead sent his girlfriend to seal the deal.
Arizona Attorney Terry Goddard says you need to protect yourself.
"There is no guarantee, no regulation. There is nothing but the two of you doing business. So if you're going to be protected, you have to do it yourself," says Goddard.
Anytime you buy a used car, you must have it examined by someone who knows about cars.
"If they refuse to let some third party look at it, then I would just drop the deal because it is just too suspicious," Goddard advises.
So before you buy used, have the car examined by a trusted mechanic, check the VIN number for the car's history and avoid paying cash.
