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Craigslist car report scam targets vehicle sellers

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Craigslist car report scam targets vehicle sellers

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Selling your car online should be simple. Lately, though, more sellers are running into fake “vehicle report” demands from so-called buyers. The pitch looks routine, yet it leads straight to a payment page on a site you don’t know. 

We heard from Nick K. of Washington, who spotted the pattern in real time.

“In trying to sell a car, it has become apparent that there is a scam related to CarFax-type reports,” Nick wrote in an email to us. “The way it works is a guy texts or emails saying they are interested in your car, but they say they must have a car report from a specific service. At first, I thought it was just a way for a guy to sell more reports, but after thinking about it for a while, it seems like it could be a great way to harvest credit card numbers, etc. I have not been a victim of this, but in the course of selling a car recently, I had several instances of this. There are several warning signs: ‘Will you accept cash?’ Questions indicating they have not read the ad. Offering more than the ad asks for. Short nonsensical first contact. These are just the usual signs I am looking for when I am trying to decide if someone responding to a Craigslist or FB ad is legit.”

Nick’s instincts are spot on. This Craigslist car report scam has been spreading across Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other online classifieds.

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CONNECTICUT MAN LOSES LIFE SAVINGS IN CRYPTO SCAM

Scammers posing as buyers on Craigslist are asking sellers to buy fake “vehicle history reports” from fraudulent sites.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the Craigslist car report scam works

This scam often starts with a message that looks completely normal. A supposed buyer texts asking something like, “1985 F150 Available?” and quickly follows up with friendly but vague questions such as, “OK, I’m interested in seeing it. When and where would be good for you?”

Once you respond, the “buyer” develops just enough rapport to sound legitimate. Then comes the setup. The “buyer” says he is serious about purchasing but wants to see a detailed ASR report first, something most sellers have never heard of.

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That’s exactly what happened to Nick K. After he shared the Craigslist link and vehicle details, the fake buyer sent this reply:

“Auto Smart Report, here’s the link you can get the papers from. Oh, I forgot to ask for your name? I’m Richard. Will you accept a cash payment? Let me know.”

It sounds harmless, even reassuring. But the scam hinges on getting you to click that link. The site looks professional, promising a “Complete Vehicle History at Your Fingertips.” Yet once you enter your information, you’re not buying a report; you’re handing over your credit card details and personal data to criminals.

When the seller, in this case, pushed back, the scammer doubled down with more pressure tactics.

“If you can show me the Auto Smart Report, that would be great, as it’s the most reliable and complete report. My offer to you is $7,000. I have no issue with that.” Notice the scammer just increased the amount that he is willing to pay for the vehicle by $500.

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They’ll say anything to keep you engaged and make the transaction sound routine. But the moment you pay for the fake report, the buyer disappears. His only goal is to harvest your financial information, not purchase your vehicle.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

Behind the friendly text messages, these fake buyers are after your payment info, not your vehicle. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Warning signs to watch for

  • Requests for unknown report names like “ASR”
  • Messages that ignore your ad details
  • Offers above your asking price
  • Phrases like “will you accept cash?” or “I just need to see a report first”
  • Demands for a specific site instead of accepting a Carfax, AutoCheck or NMVTIS report
  • Generic greetings like “dear,” “brother” or “friend”

If you see two or more of these at once, treat the lead as suspicious.

TOP 5 OVERPAYMENT SCAMS TO AVOID

These convincing messages often include phrases like “I just need to see an ASR report first” or “will you accept cash?” to appear legitimate. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to stay safe from Craigslist car report scams

Even the most convincing buyer could turn out to be a scammer, but these smart moves can help you stay safe, protect your money and keep your personal data out of the wrong hands.

1) Do not click buyer-sent links, and use strong antivirus software

Avoid clicking any link sent through text, email or messaging apps. These often lead to phishing sites or hidden malware downloads. Keep your devices protected with strong antivirus software. Run regular scans and keep your software updated to block new threats.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

2) Never enter payment info on unfamiliar sites

If a buyer insists you use a website you’ve never heard of, stop immediately. Always verify a site’s legitimacy before sharing any financial or personal details.

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3) Use a data removal service

Consider a data removal service to remove your personal details from data broker sites. This limits how easily scammers can find and target you.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

4) Use trusted report services

Stick to established names like Carfax, AutoCheck or NMVTIS. These are widely recognized and accepted by real buyers.

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5) Share your VIN in the ad

Including your vehicle’s VIN lets genuine buyers run their own reports safely without needing your involvement.

6) Block and report scammers

Report suspicious messages directly to the platform and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Sharing details helps others stay safe.

7) If you paid on a fake site

Contact your bank right away, cancel the card and monitor your account for unauthorized charges. Quick action can prevent further loss.

8) Meet smart and stay cautious

When meeting a buyer, choose a public place with security cameras. Bring a friend, keep your phone charged and document all communication.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

This scam works because a vehicle report sounds routine. A fake buyer pushes you to a site you’ve never heard of, then applies pressure to act fast. Slow down, verify and stick to well-known services. Real buyers will accept a report you provide or will run one themselves. You can still sell safely on marketplaces by following a few simple rules. Control the process, choose the report source and avoid links sent by strangers. Thanks to readers like Nick, more sellers can spot the trap before any money or data is at risk.

Have you seen buyers pushing odd report sites when you sell online? What tipped you off first?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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You can now try the Xbox Full Screen Experience on any PC, laptop, or tablet

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You can now try the Xbox Full Screen Experience on any PC, laptop, or tablet

Microsoft is bringing the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE), which adds a console-like UI while navigating through your game library on a PC with a controller, to laptops, desktops, and tablets. FSE launched with the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, and it has so far only been available on PC handhelds.

The expansion to laptops, desktops, and tablets is available as part of new Windows Insider Preview Builds on the Dev and Beta channels and for people in the Xbox Insider Program. To turn on FSE on your PC, “hover over the Task View icon on your taskbar and choose Xbox full screen experience,” Microsoft says. “You can also open Xbox full screen experience in Game Bar > Settings or by pressing Win + F11 to toggle the experience.”

However, even if you’re a Windows Insider, you may not have the access to FSE right away, as Microsoft says the feature is “gradually rolling out” with the new Windows Insider builds. It also requires that you have the Xbox app from the Microsoft store.

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Neighbors outraged as LA airport becomes ground zero for AI-driven flying taxis

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Neighbors outraged as LA airport becomes ground zero for AI-driven flying taxis

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Archer Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, just made one of its boldest moves yet. The company agreed to acquire Hawthorne Airport for $126 million in cash. 

According to Archer’s latest shareholder letter, the deal includes the remaining 30 years on the airport’s master lease and an exclusive option to take a controlling stake in the on-site fixed-base operator, subject to city approval. 

This historic 80-acre site includes about 190,000 square feet of terminals, office space and hangars. Its location near LAX and major Los Angeles destinations makes it a prime spot for an air taxi network that aims to change how people move in crowded cities.

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PENNSYLVANIA BILL SEEKS TO LEGALIZE FLYING CARS

Archer’s development plans for Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles. (Archer Aviation)

Why Hawthorne Airport matters for the new air taxi network

Archer Aviation plans to use the airport as the main operational hub for its LA air taxi network. The company also plans to prepare the site to support transportation during the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes managing everything from takeoff scheduling to ground operations. In its shareholder letter, Archer frames Hawthorne as a “plug-and-play” anchor hub for its LA28 Olympic plans, saying it expects to ramp up aircraft testing, storage, maintenance and charging on-site as it prepares for commercial service.

The airport will also become a testbed for next-generation AI-powered aviation systems. These tools will help Archer develop smarter air traffic management, faster turnaround times and safer operations in crowded airspace.

Archer outlines a two-phase plan in the letter: Phase 1 focuses on redeveloping up to 200,000 square feet of hangars and locking in control of the FBO, while Phase 2 layers in AI air traffic and ground management, smart sensor-embedded runways and a more digital, streamlined passenger experience.

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United Airlines CFO Michael Leskinen praised the move and said, “Archer’s trajectory validates our conviction that eVTOLs are part of the next generation of air traffic technology that will fundamentally reshape aviation. Their vision for an AI-enabled operations platform isn’t just about eVTOLs, it’s also about leveraging cutting-edge technology to better enable moving people safely and efficiently in our most congested airspaces. Through United’s investment arm, United Airlines Ventures, we’re investing in companies like Archer that pioneer technologies that will define and support aviation infrastructure for decades to come.”

Meanwhile, Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas celebrated the deal on social media, writing “WELCOME ARCHER TO THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE!”

Archer plans to turn Hawthorne Airport into the main hub for its LA air taxi network. (Archer Aviation)

Neighbors outraged over ‘AI air taxi’ takeover

Not everyone is cheering Archer’s plan to turn Hawthorne into a flagship hub for AI-guided flying taxis. A local group called Hawthorne Quiet Skies, made up of residents living around the airport, says they were blindsided by the $126 million takeover and that no one from the company or city bothered to engage them before announcing a “test bed for AI-powered aviation technologies” over their homes.

Neighbors who live just across the street and within a couple of blocks of the runway describe Hawthorne as one of the most tightly packed airports in the country, with homes on three sides and years of complaints about deafening jet and helicopter noise. The city’s own 2021 noise study identified more than 160 homes and roughly 480 people already exposed to unhealthy noise levels, yet residents say there has been “zero progress” on mitigation even as the airport shifted from small private planes to commercial traffic and now an around-the-clock eVTOL hub.

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The group is also raising alarms about Archer’s AI ambitions, pointing to academic research that current machine-learning systems in aviation still struggle to handle unusual conditions and lack formal safety guarantees. 

They argue that whatever the promises of cleaner, futuristic air taxis, Hawthorne is being used as a live test site without clear safeguards, updated federal noise rules or any serious plan to compensate families if nonstop eVTOL traffic makes their homes too loud to live in.

CHINA’S FIRST MASS-PRODUCED FLYING CAR DEBUTS

How Archer Aviation is funding growth and expanding its air taxi program

Alongside the airport news, Archer reported major financial momentum. The company raised an additional $650 million in equity, which boosted its total liquidity to more than $2 billion. The company’s Midnight aircraft also hit new flight milestones, including a 55-mile flight at over 126 mph and a climb to 10,000 feet.

Archer also expanded its global technology footprint. It completed the acquisition of Lilium’s patent portfolio, which pushes Archer’s total intellectual property to more than 1,000 global assets. Those patents cover ducted fans, high voltage systems, flight controls and other key technologies.

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International expansion is underway, too. Archer began test and demo flights in the UAE and secured new partnerships with Korean Air and with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo’s JV in Osaka and Tokyo.

The airport will serve as a testbed for next generation AI aviation systems designed to manage busy airspace more safely. (Archer Aviation)

What this means for you

Archer’s airport deal suggests that air taxis are moving closer to everyday use. This shift could mean shorter trips across major cities at a fraction of today’s travel time. It could also bring quieter aircraft over neighborhoods compared to helicopters.

For Los Angeles residents, Hawthorne Airport may become a central point for fast point-to-point travel once certification moves forward. Visitors flying in for major events like the LA28 Olympics could see air taxis as a smooth alternative to gridlocked freeways.

Businesses may gain new options for rapid transport across the region. The move also signals more investment and jobs in advanced aviation, automation and clean electric travel.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Archer’s acquisition of Hawthorne Airport marks a major milestone in the race to build a real air taxi network, giving the company the aircraft, funding and prime location it needs to push the industry forward. Its focus on AI-driven operations shows how automated aviation may soon play a much bigger role in daily life, even as regulators are still working out how to safely integrate these aircraft into crowded cities. At the same time, the move is already sparking backlash from neighbors who worry about more noise, safety risks and being turned into a test site for AI-guided aircraft without a real say. If Archer can win over regulators, investors and the communities living just beyond the fence line, this step could make the future of urban flight feel much closer, for better or worse.

If air taxis become a real option in Los Angeles by 2028, would you try one for your daily commute or stick to the ground? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Grok’s Elon Musk worship is getting weird

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Grok’s Elon Musk worship is getting weird

It’s no secret that Elon Musk shapes the X social platform and X’s “maximally truth-seeking” Grok AI chatbot to his preferences. But it’s possible Musk may have needed a bit of an extra ego boost this week, because Grok’s worship of its creator seems, shall we say, more noticeable than usual.

As a number of people have pointed out on social media over the past day, Grok’s public-facing chatbot is currently prone to insisting on Musk’s prowess at absolutely anything, no matter how unlikely — or conversely, embarrassing — a given feat is.

If pressed, Grok will also contend Musk would be the best at eating poop or drinking urine, but it would prefer to focus on how good he is at making rockets, please. At least some of these posts have been deleted in the past hour; X did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the phenomenon from The Verge.

This glazing appears to be exclusive to the X version of Grok; when I asked the private chatbot to compare Musk with James, it conceded, “LeBron James has a significantly better physique than Elon Musk.” The GitHub page for Grok’s system prompts indicates they were updated three days ago, with the additions including a prohibition on “snarky one-liners” and instructions not to base responses on “any beliefs stated in past Grok posts or by Elon Musk or xAI,” but there’s nothing that seems to clearly explain this new behavior — although system prompts are only one way to shape how AI systems work.

Either way, this is far from the weirdest Grok has gotten, and it’s less disruptive than the bot’s brief obsession with “white genocide” or its intense antisemitism — which, incidentally, is still flaring up in the form of Holocaust denial. Grok has previously searched for Musk’s opinion to formulate its own answers, so even the preoccupation with Musk isn’t new. But it reminds us all what a weirdly intimate connection Grok — a product that’s been rolled out across the US government, among other places — has with its owner, and how randomly that connection is prone to appear.

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