Used car buyers in Texas face common scams that can cost thousands of dollars. Here’s how to check a vehicle’s history and stay safe.

Get the vehicle identification number (VIN)

The VIN is a 17-digit code on the lower-left corner of the dashboard. It’s also on the car’s title and other documents. You’ll need this number to look up the car’s history.

Use VINCheck

Run the VIN through VINCheck, a free tool from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. VINCheck can tell you:

• The vehicle’s manufacturer, body style, trim, and engine type.
• When it was built.
• If it was ever stolen, in an accident, or declared a total loss (salvage title).

Watch for common used-car scams

Be careful if:

• The price is much lower than similar vehicles.
• The seller uses pictures of a car they don’t own.
• They ask you to use a fake, third-party “escrow” service or want payment by gift cards or wire transfers. These payments are hard to trace, and you might not get your money back.

Have a question about insurance? Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 or visit  www.tdi.texas.gov.