Curbsider

A curbsider is an unlicensed, illegal vehicle dealer who often poses as a private seller [oai_citation:8‡omvic.ca](https://www.omvic.ca/buying/shopping-tips/curbsiders/#:~:text=Illegal%2C%20unlicensed%20vehicle%20dealers%20are,for%20example%2C%20repair%20shops). Curbsiders typically sell cars without the regulatory oversight that licensed dealers follow, and they often misrepresent the vehicles (hiding accident history, rolled-back odometers, outstanding liens, etc.). In Ontario, for example, OMVIC (the provincial regulator) actively campaigns against curbsiders, noting that these sellers ignore consumer protection laws and can be difficult to hold accountable if something goes wrong [oai_citation:9‡omvic.ca](https://www.omvic.ca/buying/shopping-tips/curbsiders/#:~:text=%E2%80%A2%20Operate%20visibly%20in%20the,protected%20by%20the%20compensation%20fund). Dealership staff educate customers on the risks of buying through curbsiders: there’s no access to dealer consumer protection funds or legal recourse if the car turns out to be defective or misrepresented [oai_citation:10‡omvic.ca](https://www.omvic.ca/buying/shopping-tips/curbsiders/#:~:text=Car%20buyers%20who%20purchase%20vehicles,don%E2%80%99t%20regulate%20private%20vehicle%20sales). By being transparent and following all regulations, legitimate dealers differentiate themselves from curbsiders and help protect the public from fraud.