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Report a Curber

Supporting information:

How to spot a curber

A curber is an unlicensed individual or business selling vehicles for profit to consumers, 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. Curbers offer none of the protections the law provides for purchases from a Vehicle Sales Authority licensed dealer.  

Commercial, fleet, or business-to-business vehicle sales are not regulated in the same way and are not considered curbing under BC law.

How do I know if I’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, “Which one?” when you call about the ad
The seller doesn’t have the original registration form
The name on the registration is not their name, so they’ll say they are selling the vehicle for a friend or family member
The vehicle year, make, model, body style or colour don’t match the description on the vehicle’s registration form
The vehicle doesn’t match the description given when the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN is decoded.  Click here  for CARFAX’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 they’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.  However, action may be taken to protect future buyers.

Step one:  Use the VSA Licensee Search to confirm the seller is not licensed as a dealer or a salesperson. If they are licensed, file a complaint.

Step two:  If you believe the person you purchased from is operating as an unlicensed motor dealer, report them using the Report an Unlicensed Motor Dealer “Curber” Form.

Does this apply to all vehicle sales?

Curber enforcement applies specifically to consumer vehicle sales. An individual or business may be considered an unlicensed motor dealer (“curber”) if they are selling vehicles for profit to consumers without a VSA license.

Sales that occur strictly between businesses, such as commercial, fleet, or wholesale transactions, are not regulated under the same consumer protection laws and are not considered curbing.

If you are unsure whether your transaction qualifies as a consumer sale, you can contact VSA Consumer Services.

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.  However, the sale of even one vehicle to a retail consumer as a business activity may require a licence.