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It's all about minimizing risk. Just like locking your door. If someone wants to break into YOUR house or steal YOUR car specifically, locking doors isn't going to stop them. However, if someone is looking for the easiest victim, they will go to the car that is unlocked, the house without an alarm, etc.
Same thing here. People are trying to minimize their risk by not advertising their license plate on the internet. It probably doesn't matter 99.99% of the time, but I don't blame the person who decides to not show the plate, and don't automatically assume they have something to hide.
The problem is you are driving around showing off your plate all the time. It's like hiding your face on Facebook or Instagram. Unless you walk around with a bag over your head what's the point.
Is it time for me to chime in with my story about the $ 26,000 worth of body work done on my car that NEVER showed up on CARFAX? Buyer beware.
My first car came up clean on the CarFax run by the dealership. But it was clear that there had been some work done on the driver's side door, because the door jamb sticker was missing, and the insurance company questioned that when they did the photo inspection. Both companies that insured the car (I switched to my present carrier after about a year) questioned that.
The problem is you are driving around showing off your plate all the time. It's like hiding your face on Facebook or Instagram. Unless you walk around with a bag over your head what's the point.
Because the Romanian prince who wants to give me a million dollars if I just send a money order to cover foreign taxes is on the internet, but is not patrolling the parking lot of the local grocery store.
In the last year I've given my social security number out to multiple doctors, the health insurance company, the kids' daycare provider, the car dealership, the cell phone provider, the little league, and a few other places, all of them who have employees that could steal it, no matter what protections and data security they put in place. I'm still not going to post it on the internet.
EDIT/PS: The last car I sold on the internet did not have the license plate hidden or blocked. I'm not worried about it, and I know my online activities can lead to a lot of information about me. I just don't hold it against someone who feels differently than I do.
Because the Romanian prince who wants to give me a million dollars if I just send a money order to cover foreign taxes is on the internet, but is not patrolling the parking lot of the local grocery store.
In the last year I've given my social security number out to multiple doctors, the health insurance company, the kids' daycare provider, the car dealership, the cell phone provider, the little league, and a few other places, all of them who have employees that could steal it, no matter what protections and data security they put in place. I'm still not going to post it on the internet.
EDIT/PS: The last car a sold on the internet did not have the license plate hidden or blocked. I'm not worried about it, and I know my online activities can lead to a lot of information about me. I just don't hold it against someone who feels differently than I do.
But did you drive around with your SS# plastered on your car? It would be one thing to have your license plate only listed on your drivers license.
Look, carjackings and even homicides have happened to people selling cars. Is it common? No, but I certainly don't fault someone for wanting to meet in a shopping center parking lot or even better, a police station parking lot.
People don't want someone knowing where their family is, where they live, etc, even thought it ultimately will become available to complete the transaction. I get it, you don't necessarily want them to see your $1,000 bike in the garage, or know which house is yours if they find something wrong with the car. Similarly, buyers carrying cash don't want to meet on "unsafe" ground either and risk getting robbed.
If you're worried about safety, here's an idea....don't private party shop in neighborhoods where going to the seller's home will put you on "unsafe" ground.
And that's not even the primary reason not to do it.
It's all about minimizing risk. Just like locking your door. If someone wants to break into YOUR house or steal YOUR car specifically, locking doors isn't going to stop them. However, if someone is looking for the easiest victim, they will go to the car that is unlocked, the house without an alarm, etc.
Same thing here. People are trying to minimize their risk by not advertising their license plate on the internet. It probably doesn't matter 99.99% of the time, but I don't blame the person who decides to not show the plate, and don't automatically assume they have something to hide.
You're not minimizing anything but the probability of being contacted by an honest, solid citizen looking for a well-cared-for vehicle that stands above the crowd.
And they've happened to people just driving around. Are you suggesting we stop driving around, too?
No, and while I will meet people at my house when I sell things off the internet, It isn't strange that some people don't want to meet at home, or feel more comfortable meeting in a public place.
I don't wear sunscreen either, and I often don't wear a life jacket when boating. But I'm not going to scoff at those who do take those precautions.
You're not minimizing anything but the probability of being contacted by an honest, solid citizen looking for a well-cared-for vehicle that stands above the crowd.
My Grandmother told me not to stand in front of the Microwave watching food being cooked, it would cause cancer or kill brain cells or something.
I've seen my mother in law lop the ends off a ham because she thought they were bad, when in reality, she watched her mother do it because her mother's pan was short.
Some people have a higher caution level than you or I do. It isn't craziness or crookedness.
You can just as easily call and get the vin if you need to run a Carfax.
No, and while I will meet people at my house when I sell things off the internet, It isn't strange that some people don't want to meet at home, or feel more comfortable meeting in a public place.
I don't wear sunscreen either, and I often don't wear a life jacket when boating. But I'm not going to scoff at those who do take those precautions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JONOV
My Grandmother told me not to stand in front of the Microwave watching food being cooked, it would cause cancer or kill brain cells or something.
I've seen my mother in law lop the ends off a ham because she thought they were bad, when in reality, she watched her mother do it because her mother's pan was short.
Some people have a higher caution level than you or I do. It isn't craziness or crookedness.
You can just as easily call and get the vin if you need to run a Carfax.
Ok, I get it. I've registered your objection to the question. Have a nice day.
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