Caller Claimed to Have My Part – Here’s What I Asked to Stay Safe

The rise in auto parts scam calls has left many unsuspecting car owners across the U.S. vulnerable to fraud. It often starts with a call from someone claiming they’ve “found your part,” even though you never placed an order. These scams aren’t just annoying—they can lead to serious financial loss and even damage your vehicle if fake used car parts or counterfeit auto parts are installed. Worse, some scammers seem alarmingly well-informed, knowing your vehicle type, ZIP code, or recent search history.

In 2024 alone, thousands of car owners reported used auto parts fraud, and the most common victims were those searching for hard-to-find components like transmissions, catalytic converters, or electronic modules. These fraudsters operate across digital marketplaces, junkyard databases, and even legitimate-looking websites, often mimicking real businesses with fake addresses or cloned phone numbers.

I recently received such a call—someone confidently claimed they had the exact part I needed for my car. Suspicious but curious, I stayed on the line. Instead of falling into the trap, I asked the right questions and took mental notes to protect myself. What followed was a conversation that revealed several red flags—proof that auto parts scam calls are getting smarter but not undetectable.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the exact questions I asked, why they matter, and how you can protect yourself from fake used car parts, counterfeit auto parts, and used auto parts fraud. Whether you’re a mechanic, car enthusiast, or someone just looking for a replacement part on a budget, this guide could save you time, money, and stress.

 Did You Call Me Before I Even Ordered the Part?

One of the first red flags I noticed was how early the supposed seller contacted me. I hadn’t placed any recent order or inquiry, yet I received a confident call claiming, “We have your part in stock.” That’s the first sign of an auto parts scam call. Legitimate sellers typically respond to a request or inquiry you initiate—not the other way around.

If someone calls out of the blue and insists they have your part—especially without asking for your vehicle’s VIN or full details—it’s likely part of a fake used car parts operation. Scammers often obtain basic information through public listings, online marketplace searches, or leaked data, then reach out pretending to fulfill a nonexistent order. They may even create a false sense of urgency by saying, “It’s a rare part; we only have one left.”

At this point, I paused and asked them directly: “When and how did I place the order?” The answer was vague—“Our system just matched your number to the part.” That’s not how real transactions work. A legitimate seller will be able to reference a ticket number, inquiry time, or at least some trace of your communication.

This is a common strategy in used auto parts fraud: confuse the customer with speed and pressure before they stop to verify details. These auto parts scam calls thrive on urgency and vague language, not genuine customer service.

If you receive a call before even searching for or ordering a part, treat it as suspicious. This small question—“Did I request this?”—can reveal whether you’re dealing with a professional vendor or just another con artist looking to push counterfeit auto parts.

 Can You Verify Your Business Information First?

Once the caller claimed they had my part ready, I shifted the conversation to verifying their legitimacy. One of the most effective ways to catch auto parts scam calls is by turning the pressure back on them with a simple ask: “Can you provide your business name, website, and address?”

A real business will never hesitate to share this information. In my case, the caller stuttered, gave a generic-sounding name like “Auto Nationwide Parts,” and couldn’t spell the domain correctly. The website had no SSL security, limited contact details, and was filled with stock images. These are major indicators of fake used car parts operations.

When I asked for a physical address and business license or BBB profile, they tried to dodge it, saying, “We’re a warehouse-only distributor.” That’s often code for being untraceable You’d be surprised how many counterfeit auto parts rings use fake business names and burner phone lines to prey on people in urgent need of parts.

Scammers often count on buyers being too desperate to verify credentials—especially when it’s about hard-to-find items like a used Toyota Camry transmission. But transparency is a basic standard in real commerce. If they can’t offer something as simple as a company registration or a local business listing, they’re likely involved in used auto parts fraud.

It’s not rude or excessive to ask for verification. In fact, it’s essential. Fraudulent sellers tend to vanish as soon as you get close to proving they’re fake. And that’s a win in itself—catching a scam before it costs you anything.

 Can You Send a Picture of the Actual Part With a Timestamp?

After verifying (or trying to verify) the business, my next step was requesting proof of the part. Scammers pushing fake used car parts usually rely on generic stock photos pulled from the internet. That’s why asking for a real-time image is one of the smartest ways to expose auto parts scam calls.

I asked the caller, “Can you send me a clear picture of the used part with today’s date written next to it on a piece of paper?” A legitimate seller wouldn’t hesitate to comply—they’re used to buyers requesting proof, especially for high-value components like a used Toyota Camry transmission. But this caller suddenly started fumbling. “The part is deep in storage,” they claimed, or “We only ship directly from our warehouse and don’t handle parts directly.”

That was a red flag.

In many cases of used auto parts fraud, scammers claim the item is “already packaged” or “ready to ship,” avoiding picture requests. But let’s be clear: any seller who really has the part can easily grab a phone and snap a photo. The refusal almost always signals counterfeit auto parts or, worse, no part at all.

Some people get tricked when scammers send photos with blurred backgrounds or stock images labeled as “actual pictures.” Always do a reverse image search on the photo. If it appears elsewhere online, you’re being baited.

Remember, if you don’t see the part, it might not exist. A simple picture request with a timestamp can save you from a financial and mechanical disaster.

Do You Offer a Return or Refund Policy in Writing?

One of the smartest questions you can ask to protect yourself from auto parts scam calls is about the return policy—in writing. A genuine seller dealing in used auto parts will always provide a clear, documented return or refund policy. Scammers? Not so much.

When I asked the caller, “Can you email me your return and refund policy before I proceed?”, I was met with vague responses:

“Oh, we don’t usually send that until after the transaction.”

“Our policy is no returns on electrical parts.”

“Don’t worry, we’ve never had complaints.”

These are classic signs of used auto parts fraud.

Many victims of fake used car parts scams report that they never got a part—or worse, received a damaged or mismatched one—and when they tried to return it, the seller disappeared or refused to engage. If they’d asked for a refund policy upfront, they might’ve caught the fraud sooner.

Legitimate companies—whether they’re national salvage yards or local shops—typically offer at least a 30-day return window and will provide those terms in writing, usually via email or invoice. If the seller can’t do that, walk away.

And don’t just accept a verbal promise. Without a paper trail, you have no legal recourse if things go wrong. Keep a screenshot, email, or message that clearly outlines the terms. This is especially critical if you’re buying costly components like transmissions or airbag systems that can involve thousands of dollars and potential safety risks due to counterfeit auto parts.

Bottom line: if they won’t put it in writing, don’t put your money in their pocket.

Can I Pick It Up in Person or Send Someone to Inspect It?

One of the biggest red flags in auto parts scam calls is the refusal to allow in-person pickups or inspections. When a caller claims to have your exact part but insists on shipping only, it’s time to slow down and ask tough questions.

I asked, “Can I come by and pick up the part myself, or send someone to look at it for me?” The hesitation on the other end was immediate.

“Oh, our warehouse is under renovation.”
“We don’t allow visitors for insurance reasons.”
“It’s already packed and ready to ship.”

These responses are often signs of fake used car parts scams.

Reputable sellers of used auto parts—especially salvage yards and certified recyclers—will not object to customers picking up parts or sending a mechanic to verify them. Many even encourage it, knowing that transparency builds trust.

Scammers, however, count on the distance and lack of accountability to push counterfeit auto parts. They know once the money is sent, they can ghost you. Some even provide fake tracking numbers, and by the time you realize it, you’ve fallen into a used auto parts fraud scheme.

If you’re buying a critical component like a used engine, transmission, or airbag module, physical verification can save you from a dangerous or expensive mistake. If the seller refuses inspection, ask yourself: What are they hiding?

To stay safe, only deal with vendors who allow physical access—either through in-person pickups, verified third-party inspections, or high-res photos with date and seller ID proof.

 Can You Send Real-Time Photos with a Paper Tag Showing Today’s Date?

A simple but powerful way to verify the legitimacy of a seller during auto parts scam calls is to request real-time photos. I specifically asked, “Can you send me pictures of the part with a handwritten tag that shows today’s date?”—a basic but effective test that catches many fraudsters off guard.

This request does two things:

1. Exposes fake used car parts sellers who use stock photos scraped from the internet or other listings.
   
2. Forces the seller to prove they physically possess the part.
   

In most cases of used auto parts fraud, the scammer either avoids the request or sends outdated or clearly altered images. One scammer sent me a blurry picture where the date was digitally added—an obvious sign of a counterfeit auto parts scheme.

Real businesses, especially salvage yards or certified used parts dealers, have no problem fulfilling this request. They’ll take a photo of the part next to a dated paper note or even a business card. This adds instant credibility and helps protect you from scams.

If the seller makes excuses like:

• “My phone camera’s broken,”
  
• “I’m out of town and can’t access the part,” or
  
• “We don’t do that,”
  

…then walk away. These are clear signs that you’re talking to someone trying to push fake used car parts or someone who doesn’t have the part at all.

In this digital age, a real-time photo is a basic ask. If they can’t do that, it’s not worth the risk.

What’s the Return Policy and Is There a Warranty in Writing?

When I was working with unknown sellers during car parts scam calls, one of the most important things I asked was if they had a return policy and a written warranty.  Scammers are often caught off guard by this question, especially those who are selling fake used car parts and don’t plan to stand behind their product.

 I began with an easy question: “What is your return policy for this part if it doesn’t fit or is broken?” And can you send that to me in writing?”

Here’s why this works:

• Scammers usually stumble here. They might say “all sales are final” or offer vague verbal assurances without documents. That’s a red flag.
  
• Legitimate sellers always have some form of policy—even junkyards. Most will send a quick PDF or even an email outlining basic terms. If they hesitate, assume it’s a used auto parts fraud attempt.
  

During one call, I was promised a “30-day warranty,” but when I asked for it in writing, the seller completely ghosted me. That silence said it all—he was trying to sell counterfeit auto parts with no real accountability.

Even if a part is used, any honest business will back it with at least a brief return window. Avoid those who dodge the topic or give generic answers like:

• “It’s good, don’t worry.”
  
• “We’ve never had complaints before.”
  
• “Our manager handles that, and he’s not here.”
  

These are signs of used auto parts fraud. Always get warranties or return policies in writing, ideally before making any payment. It protects you, gives you proof, and often causes scammers to back off before you waste your money.

 Can You Share Your Exact Business Location or License Info?

One of the smartest things I did during these auto parts scam calls was to dig into the seller’s business legitimacy. Asking for their exact business location and license information helped me avoid falling victim to shady deals involving fake used car parts or even counterfeit auto parts.

When someone calls claiming they have your specific part—especially at an unusually low price—don’t hesitate to ask:

“What’s your business name, physical address, and license number? I’d like to verify before purchasing.”

Why this question matters:

• Scammers rarely provide complete details. They may give you a vague location like “we’re in the LA area” or say “we work from a warehouse.” That’s a huge red flag.
  
• Real businesses have traceable records. They’ll often direct you to a website, show a business license, or confirm registration with platforms like Better Business Bureau or local directories.
  
• Fake used car parts scams thrive on urgency. They’ll pressure you into sending money quickly without giving you time to check their background.
  

In one case, the caller gave me a street name with no building number. When I looked it up on Google Maps, it was a public park. That’s when I knew this was just another used auto parts fraud setup.

Also, asking for a business license usually sends scammers into a tailspin. They’ll either become aggressive or suddenly drop the conversation.

A legitimate seller won’t mind you double-checking. They know cautious buyers are good business. But a scammer pushing counterfeit auto parts will always avoid transparency.

In short: If they can’t prove where they are or show they’re licensed—walk away.

 Is This a Direct Sale or Are You a Middleman?

During one of the auto parts scam calls, the seller claimed they had my exact part in stock—a Toyota Camry transmission at a “steep discount.” But when I asked whether this was a direct sale or if they were acting as a broker or middleman, their tone changed.

Why this question matters:
Scammers often present themselves as part of a large salvage yard or a “national network” of used parts dealers. In reality, many of them are unlicensed middlemen with no inventory at all. They simply collect your payment and pass your request to a shady third-party—or disappear altogether. That’s how so many people end up with fake used car parts or fall prey to used auto parts fraud.

Here’s what I specifically asked:

“Are you selling the part yourself, or sourcing it from someone else? If it’s from a third-party supplier, can I get their name and details?”

Genuine sellers will always clarify their position. Middlemen may still be legit, but the key is transparency. If someone dodges this question or says, “We don’t disclose our sources,” it’s likely they’re hiding a scam. They might be feeding you counterfeit auto parts or worse—taking your money without ever intending to deliver.

Some common middleman red flags:

• They won’t let you pick up the part in person.
  
• They insist on upfront payment, preferably through untraceable methods like Zelle or Cash App.
  
• They can’t provide photos of the actual part in their possession.
  

This question helped me avoid being routed through a chain of unreliable sellers. It’s also how I uncovered a potential used auto parts fraud operation where the so-called “dealer” was using stock images and pretending to have warehouse access.

Moral of the story: If it’s not a direct sale and they can’t clearly explain their sourcing—back out.

Can You Send Photos of the Part – With Today’s Date?

After getting a few strange calls about car parts scams, I learned a simple but effective trick: ask for photos of the parts that are dated and taken in real time. This one question has kept many people from falling for fake used car parts and even fake auto parts scams.

Why this question is important:

Most of the time, scammers use stock photos that they get from eBay, old ads, or company websites. These images look polished and convincing—but they don’t prove anything. That’s why I always say:

“Please send me clear photos of the part, with today’s date written on a paper beside it.”

This small request forces the seller to prove they have physical access to the item. If they’re selling a used Toyota Camry transmission, I expect to see that part, not a blurry image pulled from a Google search.

Here’s what happened once:
A seller was offering a “like-new” strut assembly for a fraction of the usual price. When I asked for dated photos, he sent a screenshot from a Craigslist ad that had been posted three months ago—same background, same lighting, same shadows. Classic case of used auto parts fraud.

Some scammers will try to dodge this request by saying:

• “It’s already packed for shipping.”
  
• “We’re too busy in the yard right now.”
  
• “Trust me, it’s exactly like the picture.”
  

Don’t fall for it. If they really have the part, taking a dated photo takes two minutes. If they refuse or delay, that’s your red flag.

Even better—ask for a short video with a timestamp or a live walkaround of the part. That’s harder to fake and even more reassuring.

Bottom line: Pictures—or it didn’t happen. It’s one of the fastest ways to sniff out auto parts scam calls and avoid losing money to fake used car parts schemes.

Reach out to Used Auto Parts Pro for the best quality used car parts, such as used engines, used transmissions, used alternators, and much more.

Read More – Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Used Car Parts