[geshaghi]

While I think it is very reasonable for a buyer to ask to see a copy of the title in order to verify that the seller owns the car, I have seen some scams recently where a copy of the title is obtained and then modified to make it look like the scammer owns the car. This happened to a friend recently who was selling a MBZ SL65. He advertised the car a few places and received a query from a buyer who seemed serious. After several phone discussions, the buyer agreed to purchase the car, pending verification of the title with his bank (to enable a loan to be processed, which can be completely legitimate). My friend scanned and emailed a copy of the title to the prospective buyer, and never heard from him again. A few weeks later, someone called and asked where the car was located, noting that a car with the same VIN was advertised by someone else on the other side of the country. The new seller had posted photos of another SL65, but used my friend's VIN and sent this other buyer a copy of the title, modified with another owner's name and address. I've heard of similar types of scams where copies of titles are produced to help create the aura of legitimacy for a car offered for sale, usually at a slightly below market price. While I would certainly want to see a copy of the title before I sent full payment, I can see why someone would be cautious about sending it.