GPrivate transactions
Before a high-value private purchase
Short answer
In any large private purchase, check four things separately: the person, the item, the paperwork, and the payment path. An identity check helps with the person. Cars and boats each have their own item and paperwork checks that it does not touch.
Four separate questions
| Question | Where the answer comes from |
|---|---|
| Who is the other party? | An identity check, plus consistent contact details. |
| Is the item what it is described as? | Your own inspection, or an independent inspector or surveyor. |
| Does the seller have the right to sell it? | Official title or registration records and lien checks. |
| Is the payment safe for both sides? | A traceable method appropriate to the amount and your bank's guidance. |
Cautions specific to a private car purchase
- Match the VIN on the vehicle in several places to the VIN on the title and registration.
- Confirm the name on the title matches the verified seller, or understand exactly why it does not.
- Check for liens and title brands using official or reputable vehicle-history sources.
- Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- Follow your local transfer, tax and plate rules for completing the sale.
Cautions specific to a private boat purchase
- Locate the hull identification number (HIN) on the hull and match it to the paperwork.
- Check the vessel's registration or documentation status with the relevant authority for your area.
- Engines and trailers often have their own serial numbers and paperwork. Check each one separately.
- Commission a marine survey, and a sea trial where possible, especially for larger vessels.
- Confirm there are no outstanding loans or claims against the vessel.
Pressure signals to slow down for
- Urgency to pay before you have seen the item or the paperwork.
- A seller who cannot meet, or who sends someone else without explanation.
- Requests to pay a third party, or to use a method you cannot trace or reverse.
- Paperwork names that do not match the person you are dealing with.
Make requests fair in both directions
Sellers have identity questions too. Offering to verify your own identity can make it easier to ask the other party to do the same.
Limits to keep in mind
- A verified identity does not prove ownership, condition, or a clear title.
- Truvee does not check VINs, HINs, liens, registrations, or payments.
- Transfer rules differ by location. Use official sources for your area.