When Atlanta resident Gloria opened her mailbox and found a handwritten letter from a total stranger practically begging to buy her car, her first thought wasn’t flattery — it was fear.
She felt like she had been stalked. Certainly she couldn’t help but wonder how else this random person even knew she owned that car.
The letter even included a business card from a local car dealership, offering thousands over her car’s value if she’d give them a call.
Unfortunately for Gloria — and thousands of other car owners across Georgia — this isn’t a scam. It’s the new reality of a desperate car market.
Why Are Atlanta Drivers Getting These Letters?
According to Lemon Law and Consumer Protection attorney Steve Lehto, car dealerships are still feeling the effects of a years-long supply squeeze — even though the worst of the pandemic-era chip shortage has passed.
Inventory levels haven’t fully bounced back, especially when it comes to affordable used vehicles. That’s why some dealerships have turned to aggressive tactics like handwritten letters, cold calls, and even unexpected texts — all aimed at convincing you to sell them your car.
“There’s still a real demand for certain used vehicles,” Lehto explains. “Dealers need cars to sell, and if you own the right one, they’ll go to great lengths to track you down.”
And that’s exactly what’s happening. Thanks to data tools and state-sold registration information, these dealers often know more about you — and your car — than you might expect.
How Did They Get My Information?
In Gloria’s case, the dealership admitted to using a data service — powered by information legally purchased from the state’s DMV records.
“When you register your vehicle, that information can be sold to marketing companies,” Lehto says. “And the details they have on you would shock most people.”
That’s why Gloria’s handwritten letter wasn’t just lucky guesswork — it was targeted marketing, backed by legally obtained data that pinpointed her 2013 Volvo.
Should You Sell Your Car To a Dealership This Way?
Here’s the catch: While offers like “$8,000 over value” might feel like hitting the jackpot, it’s rarely that simple — especially in today’s car market.
Yes, dealerships really are willing to pay top dollar for certain used vehicles. And for sellers, that can be incredibly tempting. After all, who wouldn’t want an unexpected windfall just for parting with their older car?
But there’s a flip side most consumers don’t think about until it’s too late.
If you’re planning to replace the car you just sold, you’ll be shopping in the exact same inflated market the dealer is trying to navigate. And thanks to limited inventory, higher interest rates, and lingering supply chain issues, finding a reasonably priced replacement might prove difficult — if not impossible.
In many cases, that generous offer on your current car ends up being a wash once you’re forced to overpay for your next vehicle. What looks like easy money at first glance can quickly turn into an expensive game of musical chairs.
The takeaway? These offers aren’t necessarily scams — but they’re also not guaranteed windfalls. They’re strategic moves by dealerships who know today’s market makes it tough for sellers to truly come out ahead unless they’re ready to downsize, go car-free, or already have another vehicle lined up.
What Atlanta Drivers Should Do Before Selling
If you get one of these letters, take a deep breath — and do your homework:
- Check Your Car’s Real Value: Use trusted resources like Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) or Edmunds to get a fair market estimate.
- Shop Around: Don’t just accept the first offer — get quotes from multiple dealers.
- Remember the Replacement Cost: Factor in what it will cost to replace your car in today’s tight market.
- Be Cautious with Your Data: Consider opting out of DMV data sales if your state allows it.
Bottom Line
Just because someone wants your car doesn’t mean selling is the smartest move for you. Gloria Baker learned that the hard way — but she’s glad to share her experience so others won’t feel blindsided.
Stay Smart, Atlanta.
For more trusted consumer advice visit TrustDALE.com.
