What is curbstoning?

Curbstoning is defined as the act of systematically selling or "flipping" vehicles while posing as a private seller. Curbstoning is regulated individually by state governments, and is considered illegal in most legislatures. Curbstoning also violates CarGurus Private Listing Terms and Conditions of Use; dealership listings found on the private seller platform will be removed and a refund will not be issued. 

What does curbstoning look like? 

There are a few indicators often associated with curbstoning listings:

  • Listing pictures contain a dealership lot, signage, promotional decorations, or pricing stickers.
  • Listing descriptions contain business contact information, location addresses, or business hours.
  • Listing description offers financing, warranty plans, documentation assistance.
  • The username references a dealership or auto shop.
  • In the message threads, the seller refers to payments, financing, having other similar vehicles available for sale. 

I contacted a private seller and it turned out to be a dealer, what should I do?

We recommend reporting the listing by going to the vehicle page and clicking on "Report fraud". You can add any relevant information regarding your report in the provided text box. 

My listing was incorrectly removed for curbstoning, what can I do?

If your listing was denied for curbstoning but you are not a dealer, please contact our support team for further assistance. 

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