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Fewer late-model vehicles for sale, along with heavy demand, is pushing prices higher

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Used-car prices rose 6.2% year over year in March, reaching their highest level since summer 2023.

• Tight inventory and strong consumer demand are driving sustained price increases.

• Cox Automotive expects prices to remain firm through midyear before easing later in 2026.

Consumers often buy a late-model used car because they can be priced thousands of dollars less than a new model. However, the latest data suggest that the gap may be closing at leastat the wholesale level.

Used-vehicle prices surged in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a rebound that has pushed wholesale values to their highest levels in nearly three years, according to Cox Automotives latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) report.

The index rose to 215.3 in March, up 6.2% from a year earlier and marking the fifth consecutive month of gains. Prices also increased 1.4% month over month, reflecting what Cox described as a stronger-than-normal spring market.

Supply and demand

Cox Automotive said the gains were driven largely by robust demand and limited supply. Inventory levels tightened throughout the quarter, with days supply falling below 40 days in March one of the lowest readings this year as vehicles sold quickly at auction and on dealer lots.

At the same time, high new-car prices averaging above $49,000 are pushing more consumers into the used market, further boosting demand. However, slower new-vehicle sales have reduced the number of trade-ins, exacerbating the shortage of used vehicles.

Used-vehicle demand is healthy and inventory levels are relatively tight, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb said in the report, noting that dealer competition at auctions has intensified and sales conversion rates have risen above recent averages.

Demand forused EVs

The first quarter also showed strength in specific segments, including used electric vehicles, where increased off-lease supply and relative affordability compared to new EVs supported pricing and activity.

Retail sales reflected the same momentum, rising about 2% year over year in the first quarter, even as overall supply remained constrained.

Looking ahead, Cox Automotive expects the used-car market to remain near current levels in the near term. Prices are likely to hold steady through the spring and early summer, supported by tax refund season and ongoing demand. However, the company suggests the market may be more favorable for buyers in the second half of the year.

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, experts warn fake ticket sites are targeting fans early and costing them big

• Scammers are already targeting 2026 FIFA World Cup fans with fake ticket websites that look legitimate but sell counterfeit tickets that wont work at the gate.

• The safest way to buy tickets is through FIFAs official site avoiding third-party sellers and risky payment methods can help protect your money and personal information.

• If you do get scammed, acting quickly contacting your bank, securing your accounts, and saving evidence can help limit the damage and improve your chances of recovering funds.

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on, and for many fans, that means one thing: securing tickets before theyre gone. But as demand ramps up, so do the .

Federal regulators and FIFA are already warning that fraudulent ticket websites are popping up well ahead of kickoff and theyre designed to look convincing enough to fool even savvy buyers. These sites often mimic official branding and promise access to hard-to-get seats, only to leave fans with counterfeit tickets that wont work at the gate.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Bitwarden security expert Gary Orenstein, who explained that the risks go beyond just losing money handing over login or payment information on a fake site can open the door to identity theft and compromised accounts. As the tournament approaches, understanding the red flags and how to protect yourself could make the difference between cheering in the stands and being turned away at the door.

Spotting fake tickets

Orenstein explained that the most common tactics ahead of the World Cup include fake ticketing sites, counterfeit merchandise storefronts, and credential harvesting pages that replicate FIFA's branding, logos, and design.

Since August 2025, cybercriminals have registered more than 4,300 fake domains tied to the World Cup, according to Check Point Research, Orenstein said.

Before entering any payment or login details, fans should verify they are on the official FIFA.com domain and treat any pop-up message or countdown timer as an immediate red flag. Other common characteristics of fake sites include spelling errors, pixelated images, and suspicious phone numbers. If a deal looks too good to be true, it likely is, considering secondary market tickets are already approaching $900.

How to protect yourself

To ensure the tickets youre trying to purchase are legitimate, Orenstein recommends the following:

• Purchase tickets exclusively through FIFA.com/tickets, the only official source for both primary sales and verified resale.

• For fans looking to resell or exchange, FIFA operates two official channels: the FIFA Resale Marketplace for U.S., Canadian, and international residents, and the FIFA Exchange Marketplace for Mexican residents.

• Avoid third-party sites, Facebook Marketplace, and any seller requesting payment via peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp, or by wire transfer. Payments made through these channels are nearly impossible to recover once sent, and offer none of the fraud protections that come with a credit card.

• Use a credit card wherever possible if a charge turns out fraudulent, you have a clear path to dispute it and recover your money.

What to do if youre scammed

If you find yourself involved in one of these ticket , hope isnt lost. But youll need to act immediately.

Here are Orensteins tips:

• Contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute the charge and flag potential fraud.

• If you used a digital card number, request a new one immediately scammers can execute fraudulent charges within seconds of capturing those details.

• Change passwords on any account where you used the same credentials, and enable multifactor authentication if you have not already.

• Preserve all evidence, including screenshots, URLs, and message threads, as these will be required if you file a report with consumer protection authorities.

• Do not be embarrassed to report it, these operations are sophisticated and professionally run, and victims span every age group and technical background.

The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event, and that emotional investment is exactly what scammers count on, Orenstein said. Urgency, excitement, and fear of missing out are the enemies of careful decision-making.

Why crowded places are becoming prime targets for this scam

• Ghost tapping are up ~150%:Scammersusefake NFC readers to charge your credit card or phone in crowded places without you noticing.

• Protect yourself:Turnon instant alerts, lock your phone, and keepcards secure (not loose in pockets or near the edge of your wallet).

• Dont ignore small charges:Scammers test with $5$10 transactions first, and catching it early can stop bigger fraud and improve your chances of getting your money back.

Tap-to-pay is fast, easy, and everywhere. But that same convenience is now being exploited in a growing scam called ghost tapping, where thieves can charge your card or phone without you even realizing it.

Fraud tied to this tactic has surged by roughly 150% over the past year, with scammers targeting crowded places like malls, airports, and public transit.

Heres whats happening, and what you should actually do about it.

What is 'ghost tapping'?

Ghost tapping uses the same near-field communication (NFC) technology that powers tap-to-pay.

Instead of a legitimate checkout terminal, scammers use handheld devices that mimic a payment reader. If they get close enough to your phone or card, they can trigger a transaction without you actively paying.

In some cases, victims dont notice until days later when they check their statements.

Why it works

The scam relies on two things: proximity and distraction.

When youre in crowded areas with people all around, it makes it easy for someone to get close enough to you without raising any suspicion in your mind. And because tap-to-pay doesnt always require a PIN for small purchases, scammers often test with a low-dollar charge first.

Thats why many victims initially see charges in the $5$10 range before a bigger charge likely happens.

What you should do right now

1. Turn on instant transaction alerts. This is your first line of defense. Set up push notifications or texts through your bank or credit card so youre alerted immediately when a charge hits. Then call your credit card or bank immediately if you get notified of a charge you didnt make.
2. Lock down your phone and wallet. Enable Face ID, fingerprint, or passcode protection on your phone. For physical cards, avoid keeping them loose in your pocket where someone can easily get close to it. Also, try not to have your credit card as the card nearest the outside of your wallet. Have that card be a gift card, loyalty card, or some other harmless card.
3. Watch for small test charges. Dont ignore a random $6 charge. Thats often how scammers test if your account is active. Report it immediately to stop larger fraud attempts.

Smart tips to stay ahead

• Use a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) instead of tapping your physical card:They add an extra layer of tokenized security.
• Consider RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves for your cards:A wallet can be picked up on Amazon for less than $15.
• Make it a habit to check your statements weekly, not monthly: Reporting a fraud claim right after it happens improves your chances of a recovery.

Why this matters

Tap-to-pay isnt going anywhere. In fact, its becoming the default way most people pay.

But as that convenience increases, so does the opportunity for scammers to take advantage.

The takeaway is simple: You dont need to stop tapping to pay, you just need to tighten how you use it. Small adjustments now can save you from a much bigger headache later.

Fewer late-model vehicles for sale, along with heavy demand, is pushing prices higher

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Used-car prices rose 6.2% year over year in March, reaching their highest level since summer 2023

• Tight inventory and strong consumer demand are driving sustained price increases

• Cox Automotive expects prices to remain firm through midyear before easing later in 2026

Consumers often buy a late-model used car because they can be priced thousands of dollars less than a new model. However, the latest data suggest that the gap may be closing at least. at the wholesale level.

Used-vehicle prices surged in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a rebound that has pushed wholesale values to their highest level in nearly three years, according to Cox Automotives latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) report.

The index rose to 215.3 in March, up 6.2% from a year earlier and marking the fifth consecutive month of gains. Prices also increased 1.4% month over month, reflecting what Cox described as a stronger-than-normal spring market.

Supply and demand

Cox Automotive said the gains were driven largely by robust demand and limited supply. Inventory levels tightened throughout the quarter, with days supply falling below 40 days in March one of the lowest readings this year as vehicles sold quickly at auction and on dealer lots.

At the same time, high new-car prices averaging above $49,000 are pushing more consumers into the used market, further boosting demand. However, slower new-vehicle sales have reduced the number of trade-ins, exacerbating the the shortage of used vehicles.

Used-vehicle demand is healthy and inventory levels are relatively tight, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb said in the report, noting that dealer competition at auctions has intensified and sales conversion rates have risen above recent averages.

Demand for used EVs

The first quarter also showed strength in specific segments, including used electric vehicles, where increased off-lease supply and relative affordability compared to new EVs supported pricing and activity.

Retail sales reflected the same momentum, rising about 2% year over year in the first quarter, even as overall supply remained constrained.

Looking ahead, Cox Automotive expects the used-car market to remain near current levels in the near term. Prices are likely to hold steady through the spring and early summer, supported by tax refund season and ongoing demand. However, the company suggests the market may be more favorable for buyers in the second half of the year.