FCAA is Saskatchewan’s financial and consumer marketplace regulator.
Suite 500, 1919 Saskatchewan Drive
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 4H2
Tel: (306)787-5550
Toll free: (877)880-5550
Fax: (306)787-9779
Email: consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca
A curber is someone who is in the business of selling vehicles without a license. The word curber comes from the practice of parking vehicles on the side of the road/curb with a “For Sale” sign.
Curbers often get poor-quality cars and sell them from parking lots. They advertise through local newspapers and online ads and do not disclose a vehicle's history to potential buyers, often hiding serious accident damage or a sabotaged odometer. Curbers may have the same phone number listed for many cars, often asking "which car?" when a potential buyer calls. They may say they are selling vehicles for friends or have sad stories to tell. They often insist on meeting in parking lots and rush people into buying. The name on the vehicle documents will likely not match the ones on their drivers’ licenses. Curbers want cash and may ask buyers to lie on the title transfer documents to save money, and will not give you your money back if you change your mind about your vehicle purchase.
Curbers pose as private-sellers, often buying salvaged vehicles from various sources. They clean the vehicles, make superficial repairs, and quickly turn the cars around for resale.
For information about curbers select from the options below.
How to spot a curber
Five tips:
Check the vehicle identification number
Check the VIN number. The SGI VIN Search is a free service that reports the following:
There are additional VIN search options, including the Cross Canada VIN Search, which costs a nominal fee. Learn more about conducting VIN searches or consult the SGI guide to buying safer vehicles.
Protections under the law
Licensed vehicle dealers are required by law to provide information to the consumer before a vehicle can be sold. Curbers often don’t provide information to consumers.
Licensed vehicle dealers are required to:
Report a curber
If you would like to report a curber, you can contact FCAA toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email: consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
Suite 500, 1919 Saskatchewan Drive
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 4H2
Tel: (306)787-5550
Toll free: (877)880-5550
Fax: (306)787-9779
Email: consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca