A couple of weeks ago, I sold my truck to a buyer who works for a company that buys cars. He used his own money, and the company would reimburse him once they got the title. I told him the fastest way to pay off the loan was to go directly to my bank (about an hour away). He didn’t want to go and kept avoiding it. He tried calling my bank, and they said we could pay over the phone, but it didn’t work out. So, we went to his bank and got a cashier’s check. I’m military and bank with USAA, so I used their mobile deposit, which took about seven days to clear. After that, I sent the money to the bank holding the loan, and it got paid off. The DMV sent the title to my family’s address (about four hours away), but it got lost in the mail. Now, the buyer is saying this process is taking too long, and his boss is telling him to accuse me of fraud to get his money back. I’ve been helping him every step of the way to get the title, which is in another state. What can I do? I’m definitely not scamming him. I have receipts, voicemails about the lien release, and the USPS tracking number.
Honestly, it seems odd that a company would have an employee use personal funds to buy vehicles. By the way, did your family mail the title to your address or the buyer’s?
Penny said:
Honestly, it seems odd that a company would have an employee use personal funds to buy vehicles. By the way, did your family mail the title to your address or the buyer’s?
They mailed it to my address.
@Jacob
Alright, that’s one less thing to worry about. If there’s no sign of it showing up soon, you might need to request a replacement title.
Penny said:
@Jacob
Alright, that’s one less thing to worry about. If there’s no sign of it showing up soon, you might need to request a replacement title.
My family plans to request a replacement first thing tomorrow morning.
Save all your text messages, and file a lost title affidavit.
Aiden said:
Save all your text messages, and file a lost title affidavit.
I’ve got everything saved. My family is heading to the DMV to request a new title.
Aiden said:
Save all your text messages, and file a lost title affidavit.
Once a cashier’s check is cashed, it’s not easy to cancel it. He can’t just get the money back. Just send him the title once you receive it, and that should settle things.
@Aiden
That’s what I’m worried about. I don’t see how he can claim fraud, especially since I’ve been cooperating this whole time.
Jacob said:
@Aiden
That’s what I’m worried about. I don’t see how he can claim fraud, especially since I’ve been cooperating this whole time.
For a cashier’s check to be canceled, both parties would need to sign an affidavit of loss. The bank wouldn’t have released the title unless the loan was paid off, so there’s no fraud here. He can’t just declare fraud to get his money back after the check has been used to pay off your loan.
@Aiden
Thanks, I’ve been really trying to figure all this out. This helps a lot.
Provide him with all the proof you have, and see if the DMV can send a new copy of the title. Sounds like you’ve got enough evidence to protect yourself if he tries anything, and the banks won’t be able to just reverse the payment. It’s good you’re being upfront.
@Jaime
I’ll do that. I’m just stressed because I’m preparing my family for an overseas move, and this is adding to it. I don’t see how he could make a case for fraud since I’ve been cooperating all along.
You might want to ask your bank for an Affidavit In Lieu of Title (AILOT). It’s not mandatory but can make selling easier. Although, if the title has already been mailed, it’s probably too late for that. If this buyer is experienced, he should’ve known how long this process might take.
@BrianCopland
The title was mailed this past weekend, so I guess it’s already been released. Without the AILOT, do you think he can still claim fraud even though I have all the receipts and evidence?
Jacob said:
@BrianCopland
The title was mailed this past weekend, so I guess it’s already been released. Without the AILOT, do you think he can still claim fraud even though I have all the receipts and evidence?
No, he doesn’t have a case for fraud. This is just how title releases work, and he should know that. Side note: I’ve never dealt with Navy Fed, but they aren’t known for making things easy. Not their fault here, but they could’ve offered an AILOT to avoid this hassle.
The buyer and his boss can’t get their money back without taking you to court. Even then, it would be a matter between you and the buyer, not the banks. Cashier’s checks aren’t easily refundable unless there’s a serious issue. It’s easier to get a replacement title than to go through a legal battle. They’re overreacting.
@MaryAnn1
That’s my main worry. We can’t afford to pay back the money, especially since we’re moving overseas for the military. I just want this to be over. I’m worried about what happens if he tries to sue when I’m in another country.