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Are there problems in sending cashiers check to pay off lien on used car I want to buy from owner?

I don't know car owner's credit history but she says she will give me the cleared title and lien release after payment is made. She also will sign notarized bill of sale and letter of intent before my payment is sent. Loan payment can only be made via overnight DHL delivery as they have no local offices in MD. Am I being scammed? Thanks for input. Owner will sign over her title with lien to me and give me possession of car. She is also sending a cashiers check with mine for balance of loan and chooses DHL delivery. Am concerned about whether there could be any other financial liens on car and will I actually receive cleared title and lien release after loan is payed off.

Public Comments

1. I think I would make her sign over the title before I paid anything, then yes use a cashier's check when you pay it off so you will have double proof you sent the money. Make sure to have the bank put on the Cashier's check who it is too and what it is for. And include the car's serial number on the cashier's check as well.
2. No, but she changed her mind now. Send the cashiers check (which is as good a cash anywhere) to me instead, and I will take care of everything for you. In other words, I wouldn't. I know of no loan company that can only accept overnight DHL delivery on a payment. Tell her once she has a clear title, you will be happy to pay her and take delivery of the vehicle and the clear title at the same time, and you are perfectly willing to wait until she takes care of those minor problems. DO NOT OPEN YOUR WALLET until then.
3. I would make the cashier's check out to the leinholder and the individual together. I would not send a cashier's check, but take it in person and meet her at the lienholders. That way you can take care of everything at one time. You make sure the lein has been released and the leinholder has no recourse on the vehicle. You take possession of the vehicle and get the title when you give them the cashier's check. Sending a cashier's check without any provisions to protect yourself is risky. This individual could be honest, but you could also put yourself in the position of being taken to the cleaners. If you don't want to go pick the vehicle up in person, have her fax a copy of the title on both sides. You can then call the state title office and see if any other liens have been placed on the vehicle. Personally, I would want to do everything in person. Besides, you want to make sure that the condition of the vehicle you are buying is exactly what was promised.