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The used-car tricks that can cost buyers thousands

• Used-car are on the rise, with odometer rollbacks, flood-damaged vehicles, title washing, and fake online listings costing buyers thousands.

• Major red flags include sellers who refuse inspections, can't provide service records, or pressure you to act quickly.

• Protect yourself with a vehicle history report, a mechanic's inspection and diagnostic scan, and by never sending money before seeing the car in person.

With new vehicle prices still painfully high, millions of Americans have turned to the used-car market hoping to save money.

Unfortunately, scammers have noticed. From rolled-back odometers and flood-damaged vehicles to fake online listings and washed titles, today's used-car are becoming increasingly sophisticated. And thanks to modern technology, some forms of fraud are actually becoming easier to pull off.

The good news? Experts say buyers can protect themselves if they know what warning signs to look for before handing over any money.

"The biggest red flags are usually information gaps," said Cole Reiken, Managing Director of BlueDriver. "A seller who can't produce service records, rushes the transaction, or resists a pre-purchase inspection is telling you something."

Here's what consumers need to know before buying their next used vehicle.

If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is

One of the most common mistakes shoppers make is becoming fixated on price.

A vehicle that is significantly cheaper than similar cars with comparable mileage (and condition) should immediately raise a red flag in your head.

According to Reiken, there is almost always a reason for a large pricing discrepancy. "The gap between price and reality almost always has an explanation, and it's rarely a good one for the buyer," he said.

While everyone wants a bargain, an unusually low price could signal hidden mechanical issues, accident damage, title problems, or outright fraud.

Pro tip: If you're buying from a private seller, suggest meeting at an independent repair shops parking lot. A legitimate seller usually won't mind, while a scammer often suddenly becomes unavailable. Plus, you can immediately get a pre-purchase inspection if the vehicle passes your initial review.

Odometer fraud is becoming a bigger problem

One scam that experts are watching closely is odometer rollback fraud.

According to a CARFAX report released in late 2025, approximately 2.45 million vehicles currently on U.S. roads are suspected of having rolled-back odometers, a 14% increase from the previous year.

The financial impact can be significant, as mileage remains one of the most important factors affecting a vehicle's value. By reducing the displayed mileage, scammers can instantly make a vehicle appear worth thousands of dollars more than it actually is.

The bigger problem is that buyers often inherit years of hidden wear and tear. A vehicle showing 80,000 miles may have actually traveled well over 120,000 miles, meaning expensive repairs could be waiting just around the corner.

Pro tip: According to Reiken, One of the most effective ways to catch an odometer discrepancy is a diagnostic scan. This scan can be done by a dealer, an independent mechanic, or even by some popular after-market scanning tools like Blue Driver or OBDelevan.

A vehicle history report is only the starting point

Most experts agree that every used-car purchase should begin with a vehicle history report from services such as Carfax or AutoCheck.

These reports can reveal:

• Accident history
• Title changes
• Service records
• Previous ownership
• Reported mileage

But Reiken cautions consumers against treating them as the final word. "History reports are worth every dollar, but they're only as complete as the data that's been submitted," he said.

In other words, missing information doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle is clean. A history report should be viewed as the first step, not the last.

Flood-damaged vehicles can be surprisingly hard to spot

Flood-damaged vehicles continue to create headaches for used-car buyers, particularly after major storms and hurricanes.

Some of the major warning signs are relatively easy to spot:

• Musty or mildew odors
• Water stains under seats
• Mud residue in the trunk
• Rust in unusual locations
• Moisture trapped inside headlights or tail lights

But be aware that cosmetic repairs can often hide many of these clues. That's why experts recommend looking beyond just the vehicle's outward appearance.

According to Reiken, flood damage often creates electrical issues that may not become obvious until months later. If multiple electronic systems seem to be experiencing unrelated problems, that could be a warning sign that the vehicle was exposed to water.

Pro tip: Try to shop for a used car during daylight hours only. Scratches, paint mismatches, rust, water damage, body repairs, and tire wear are all much harder to spot after dark. And scammers love poor lighting because its easier to hide any flaws.

Beware of title washing

Another scam that many buyers have never heard of is called title washing. This happens when a vehicle with a salvage title, flood title, or other damage designation is transferred to another state and re-registered under a cleaner title history.

The result is a vehicle that appears normal on paper, all while concealing a troubled past.

Title washing isn't always easy to detect. But warning signs include inconsistent paperwork, missing records, or unexplained gaps in ownership. These should all prompt additional questions before you buy the car.

Pro tip: Ask to see the title before the test drive. Many buyers wait until they're ready to purchase before looking at the title. That's a mistake. Ask to see it immediately and make sure the seller's name matches their ID. Proceed with caution if they're "selling it for a friend" or the title isn't in their name.

Online vehicle are exploding

The rise of online marketplaces has made shopping for used vehicles easier than ever.

Unfortunately, it has also created new opportunities for fraudsters to do their work. Scammers will frequently create convincing vehicle listings for cars they don't actually own.

Their goal is to collect a deposit from you and then disappear into thin air.

Common warning signs to look for include:

• Requests for wire transfers
• Pressure to send money quickly
• Claims that the seller is out of town
• Refusal to meet in person
• Excuses preventing a vehicle inspection

"If a seller won't let you see the vehicle before payment, walk away," Reiken said. No legitimate deal is worth taking that risk.

New research finds consumers are increasingly willing to trust AI agents with buying decisions even if it means switching from their favorite brands

• Brand loyalty may be changing: More than one-third (37%) of loyal shoppers say they would let an AI agent recommend a different brand if it found a product that better fits their needs.

• Consumers are growing comfortable with AI shopping assistants: Nearly three-quarters (74%) of people surveyed said they're open to AI helping with shopping tasks, and the same percentage said they'd trust an AI agent more than a friend to make a purchase recommendation.

• AI could help shoppers save time and money: Experts say AI can compare products, prices, and value more effectively than most consumers can on their own, helping people make smarter purchasing decisions.

For years, brand loyalty has been one of the most valuable assets a company could have. Many shoppers stick with the same products, stores, and brands they know and trust. But a new study from Accenture suggests that may be starting to change as artificial intelligence becomes more involved in everyday purchasing decisions.

The global survey found that consumers are becoming increasingly comfortable letting AI help them shop, compare products, and even make final recommendations. In fact, 37% of shoppers who typically stay loyal to a small group of preferred brands said they would be willing to let an AI agent switch them to a different brand if it found a better option.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Accenture's Oliver Wright, global lead of consumer industries, who explained how AI-powered shopping assistants could reshape the relationship between consumers and brands, creating new opportunities while also challenging companies to earn the trust of both shoppers and the algorithms that increasingly influence their decisions.

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Trusting AI

The survey suggests that consumers are becoming surprisingly comfortable with the idea of AI playing a larger role in their shopping decisions. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents said they are open to using an AI agent to complete shopping-related tasks on their behalf, such as researching products, comparing options, or making recommendations.

Trust in AI is also growing. In one of the study's most eye-catching findings, 74% of consumers said they would trust a personal AI agent more than their best friend when it comes to making a purchase on their behalf.

Consumers will continue to ask friends and family for their thoughts on what, where and when to buy, the difference is who will they most depend on for the actual decisions they take, Wright said. Why? Because AI is able to convey responses that are truly the best researched, and it explains the answer in a way that is most relatable for the consumer, even better than the consumers friends.

Letting AI make the decisions

The study also found that nearly one-third (32%) of respondents would allow an AI agent to make the final purchasing decision for them, as long as it stayed within limits they set, such as budget, preferred brands, or product features.

Perhaps most notably, AI's influence appears poised to grow rapidly. More than seven in 10 consumers (71%) believe that at least half of their spending in a given category will be influenced by AI over the next year.

The findings suggest that shoppers increasingly view AI not just as a tool for gathering information, but as a trusted advisor that can help simplify purchasing decisions and identify products that best match their needs.

Driving better consumption

One of the key findings from the study: 37% of behaviorally loyal shoppers would let an AI agent switch them from their favorite brands for a better fit.

What does this mean for the everyday consumer who values consistency but wants the best value? Wright broke it down:

Our research suggests that AI will drive better consumption, period, he said. Consumers expect AI to help them make better choices whether that is by switching to a brand they havent tried before that actually meets their needs, or by buying a product at a location they havent thought of before.

Interestingly this will mean, on occasion, spending more, where AI recommends a product that, while more expensive in the short term, is far better over the full product lifecycle.

Using AI to save money

In addition to possibly altering brand loyalty, Wright says there are also ways for consumers to use AI to save money.

We have all been confronted with a row of detergent bottles in a grocery store of slightly different concentrations, pack appearances and effectiveness, even the cost per ounce fails to give consumers an accurate view of value, Wright said. AI solves that, making the true comparisons, doing the math, and cutting through the clutter to tell confused, time poor consumers the one to choose.

Similarly, when given a list, AI agents can direct a consumer where to shop (and for what) and outline the trade off of e-commerce versus in store. Dont underestimate the total value of this.

Jayco, Braun, and Kia are part of this week's recall roundup

A recent survey found that many college students using AI tools report stronger financial literacy and healthier finances as a result.

• AI is becoming a go-to financial tool for college students: A new survey found that 71% of students say AI has improved their financial literacy and helped them save money.

• Students are using AI for everything from budgeting to debt repayment: Many respondents reported better credit scores, increased savings, and progress paying down debt after using AI-powered financial tools.

• Experts say AI can be helpfulbut it shouldnt be the only source of advice: While AI makes financial information more accessible and less intimidating, students should verify important recommendations with trusted sources before making major money decisions.

For todays college students, artificial intelligence isnt just helping with homeworkits increasingly becoming a financial coach, too. From building budgets to learning about credit scores and debt repayment, many young adults are turning to AI-powered tools for guidance on managing their money.

A recent survey from Northern Kentucky University found that 71% of college students believe AI has improved their financial literacy and helped them save money. The findings suggest that tools like ChatGPT are becoming a go-to resource for students looking to navigate financial challenges, often without consulting a traditional financial advisor.

While experts caution that AI-generated advice should always be verified, the research highlights a growing shift in how young people are learning about personal finance and making everyday money decisions. To better understand whats driving this trend and the opportunities and risks that come with it ConsumerAffairs spoke with Peiwei Li, Assistant Professor and MSIS Graduate Program Director at Northern Kentucky University.

What are the risks?

Li explained that many college students are turning to AI tools for their financial questions because theyre accessible and convenient.

Most students already use AI tools in their daily lives, so asking it about money probably feels normal and low-pressure at this point, Li said. Honestly, a lot of financial advice feels out of reach when youre a student. If youre stressed about making rent or paying off a credit card bill, youre probably comfortable opening ChatGPT before you search for an advisor.

However, with that comfortability comes some risks that consumers need to be aware of. The biggest one: overconfidence in advice provided by AI tools.

AI can miss a lot of that nuance, Li said. Someone might follow advice that technically sounds smart but isnt a good fit for their actual situation. Financial decisions depend on personal habits and circumstances, including income, debt, credit history, risk tolerance, etc. AI tools can provide useful general guidance and be a helpful starting point, but students should verify the AI-generated advice with trusted sources.

Reducing intimidation

The survey found that many college students are turning to AI with their finance questions because it feels less intimidating than asking someone in person. The conversational nature of chatbots also helps students feel more comfortable.

A big selling point is ChatGPTs conversational interface, Li said. Students have varying levels of financial literacy. Chatting with ChatGPT can reduce the intimidating aspects of budgeting.

Furthermore, AI tools allow students to ask questions in plain language without feeling judged or lost due to financial jargon. Finally, AI tools break down financial goals into smaller, more manageable steps.

A support tool

Lis biggest piece of advice for anyone considering AI for financial advice: its a solid support tool.

Think of it like a brainstorming buddy, or someone youre getting a second opinion from vs. the all-knowing expert, Li said. Its helpful for distilling concepts or helping work through options, but important financial decisions still deserve more than one source of information/advice.

New approval could bring more sunscreen options to store shelves

• The FDA has added bemotrizinol to its list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients.

• It is the first new active ingredient added to the over-the-counter sunscreen monograph since the late 1990s.

• The ingredient protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is considered safe and effective for adults and children six months and older.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the list of active ingredients that can be used in over-the-counter sunscreens.

The agency announced that it is adding bemotrizinol to the sunscreen monograph, a regulatory framework that outlines which ingredients can be used in certain nonprescription products.

The move marks a significant update for the sunscreen category, which has not seen a new active ingredient added since the late 1990s. According to the FDA, the decision reflects ongoing efforts to support innovation while maintaining the agencys standards for safety and effectiveness.

The FDAs rigorous standards ensure consumers can be confident in the sunscreens and other nonprescription drugs they use, Karen Murry, M.D., Director of the Office of Nonprescription Drugs in CDER, said in a news release. Now, through the best available science and updated regulatory framework, we can work with companies to get innovative products to market in a more efficient manner than ever before.

What is bemotrizinol?

Bemotrizinol is a sunscreen ingredient that has been used in Europe and other countries around the world for years. The FDA says it provides protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The agency also noted that the ingredient has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body.

Based on the data it reviewed, the FDA determined that bemotrizinol is generally recognized as safe and effective for use in sunscreens by adults and children who are at least six months old. The ingredient may be used in sunscreen formulations at concentrations of up to 6%.

The approval came through a process established under the CARES Act, which allows the FDA to update over-the-counter drug monographs through administrative orders. In this case, DSM Nutritional Products LLC submitted a request to add bemotrizinol to the sunscreen monograph. The FDA issued a proposed order in December 2025, reviewed public comments, and has now finalized the change.

What this means for consumers

For consumers, the biggest impact is likely to be greater choice in the sunscreen aisle over time. By adding bemotrizinol to the list of permitted active ingredients, the FDA has opened the door for manufacturers to develop and market sunscreen products that include the ingredient, provided they meet the monographs requirements.

The FDA says the action is intended to support innovation and increase competition in the sunscreen market. While consumers may not see new products appear immediately, the change creates a pathway for companies to bring additional sunscreen formulations to market in the future.

This is a great day for American consumers and everyone who has fought to improve sunscreen options and close the UVA protection gap in U.S. sunscreens, said David Andrews, Ph.D., chief science officer at EWG.

For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward. The approval of bemotrizinol will help change that. The FDAs go-ahead will finally bring more effective, safer sun protection to American store shelves. This is a win that has been a long time coming."