A buyer may scam you by offering to pay off your remaining balance with a payment that appears legitimate. After you transfer ownership, the payment may be reversed because it was fraudulent, leaving you without the vehicle and still responsible for the balance.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. Common warning signs of an auto sale scam include buyers who:

• Offer more than your asking price
• Want to pay off your balance directly
• Push you to complete the sale quickly
• Use a payment method you cannot verify
• Send payment before sale details are finalized

The safest payment methods when you sell your vehicle are funds you can independently verify before you hand it over, such as:

• A cashier's check confirmed directly with the issuing bank
• A bank transfer that has fully cleared into your account

Be cautious with peer-to-peer payment apps, online payments and other electronic payment methods. Some transactions may be disputed, reversed or canceled after they initially appear successful. Never sign over your title or release your vehicle until you have confirmed the funds have cleared.

Yes. Some payments can be reversed, even after they appear complete. If a payment is reversed, you will still owe your remaining balance.

To sell your vehicle safely, verify the buyer and the payment before you hand anything over.

A few habits help:

• Sell through a verified, reputable platform
• Confirm who you are dealing with before you agree to anything
• Meet in a safe, public place
• Keep records of your conversations and payment confirmations
• Wait until payment has cleared before you hand over the keys or sign the title

If something feels off, walk away. No sale is worth risking your vehicle and the money you still owe. If you have already accepted a payment you are unsure about:

• Ask your bank right away whether it has cleared
• Contact Cadillac Financial if the payment affects your account
• Report suspected fraud to local law enforcement