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VSA
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Consumer

Report a Curber

Supporting information:

How to spot a curber

A curber is an unlicensed individual or business selling vehicles for profit, often while posing as a private seller. Some operate more openly, usually also ignoring local bylaws, refusing to get a business licence or pay tax on their income.โ€ฏCurbers offer none of the protections the law provides for purchases from a Vehicle Sales Authority licensed dealer.โ€ฏโ€ฏ

How do I know if Iโ€™m dealing with a curber?

  • You find more than one vehicle listed with the same phone number, and the dealer licence number is not shown
  • The seller says, โ€œWhich one?โ€ when you call about the ad
  • The seller doesnโ€™t have the original registration form
  • The name on the registration is not their name, so theyโ€™ll say they are selling the vehicle for a friend or family member
  • The vehicle year, make, model, body style or colour donโ€™t match the description on the vehicleโ€™s registration form
  • The vehicle doesnโ€™t match the description given when the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN is decoded. โ€ฏClick hereโ€ฏ for CARFAXโ€™s online VIN decoder
  • Curbers usually insist on meeting at a parking lot or mall, or bringing the vehicle to you, never at their home
  • The seller insists on cash and says theyโ€™re in a rush to make a sale

What if I bought from a curber and have a problem?

If you purchased from an unlicensed seller, the VSA has very limited authority to assist you.โ€ฏ However, action may be taken to protect future buyers.

Step one:โ€ฏ Use theโ€ฏVSA Licensee Searchโ€ฏto confirm the seller is not licensed as a dealer or a salesperson. If they are licensed,โ€ฏfile a complaint.

Step two:โ€ฏ If you believe the person you purchased from is operating as an unlicensed motor dealer, report them using theโ€ฏReport an Unlicensed Motor Dealer โ€œCurberโ€ Form.

Who needs to be licensed as a dealer?

Anyone selling more than five vehicles per year is automatically deemed to be a dealer under BC law.โ€ฏ However, the sale of even one vehicle to a retail consumer as a business activity may require a licence.