The VIN window etching scam

Basically a dealer will charge you $150-$500 for window etching and they will tell you that you have to pay the money to get the loan because the banks insists on it.

Or dealers will claim that window etching is theft protection and insurance. The idea here is a car thief will not see the nearly invisible window etching, which identifies your car after it is taken to a "chop shop" and otherwise made anonymous.  But it's ineffective at best, and just a way for certain dealers to make get more of your money.

Some dealers might tell you that the etching is free but will add on the etch money to your monthly payments to make up for it.

The best way to avoid this scam is to force the dealer to put it in writing if they say that the etching is free or simply etch the car yourself.

You can get an etch-it-yourself kit from for $30 or just don’t buy the car.  If you want to do it yourself, just do a quick search online, there's several places from which you can order an etching kit. 

Remember, your bank or lender doesn’t require that you purchase any extras on a car!  All your lender cares about is that you can make your payments on time regularly. Don’t buy into it.

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