How can I protect myself from buying a car from someone who man not be authorized to sell it?
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How can I protect myself from buying a car from someone who man not be authorized to sell it?
I live in PA and am interested in purchasing a vehicle from a private owner. I am however concerned that the seller claims to be the grandson of vehicle’s owner. Apparently he has the title for the car and has his grandmother signed off on the back for transfer purposes. Can I legally purchase this vehicle and transfer it to my name?
Asked on April 16, 2012 under Business Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The best way to protect yourself from the possibility that the person offering to sell the vehicle that you want to buy for the vehicle's owner is to request a power of attorney from the seller (grandmother) dated and signed by the grandmother giving the grandson the power to sell the car for her as her agent in fact.
Once received, contact the notary that signed the power of attorney (it will have her stamp on it) to make sure that the grandmother actually signed the power of attoney that you received from the grandson. Once confirmed over the phone, write a confirming letter to the notary regarding what was discussed keeping a copy of this letter for future use and need.
Once this is done, you can buy the vehicle and have it placed in your name. I suggest that you make the purchase via a check out to the grandson as designated attorney in fact for the grandmother as owner of the vehicle.
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