Is VinHistoryUSA a Scam?

If you’re thinking of using VinHistoryUSA, you need to know whether it’s safe. Is VinHistoryUSA a scam? 

Below, we explain whether VinHistoryUSA is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when using this vehicle lookup tool. 

What Is VinHistoryUSA?

VinHistoryUSA is a website that lets you do a VIN number search to see a vehicle’s history.

According to VinHistoryUSA, its reports include information like previous accidents, service history, sale records, mileage rollback, lien and repossession records, and more.

Because VinHistoryUSA aggregates vehicle data from third-party sources, the accuracy and completeness of the information within its reports can vary. 

The company says it provides reports on all makes and models of cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and vans.

There’s a 7-day trial (usually costing around $1), after which users have to pay a monthly subscription fee. 

Is VinHistoryUSA a Scam?

VinHistoryUSA is an active service provider that offers information about vehicles. However, it has a very poor reputation among customers. 

User reviews of VinHistoryUSA are mixed as of this writing, but lean mostly negative. 

• 1.4 out of 5.0 stars (from over 750 reviews) on Trustpilot. 
• 1.0 out of 5.0 stars (from over 110 reviews) on Better Business Bureau. 
• 3.2 out of 5.0 stars (from over 350 reviews) on Sitejabber.
• 1.2 out of 5.0 stars (from over 50 reviews) on PissedConsumer.
• 2.0 out of 5.0 stars (from over 50 reviews) on Real Reviews.

Positive reviews say it was quick and easy to get a report.

Negative reviews allege empty $1 reports, unauthorized subscriptions, and the company’s non-compliance with its own cancellation and refund policies. 

In its terms and conditions, VinHistoryUSA says that when you purchase a report, you will be automatically signed up for a 7-day trial and charged $1. If you don’t cancel within the trial period, your membership will begin, and you will be charged a monthly fee until you cancel. 

Several people note that VinHistoryUSA reports do not contain useful information. 

Again, in its terms and conditions, VinHistoryUSA notes that it doesn’t create the information within its reports and cannot guarantee that the information is accurate or complete.

On online forums like Reddit, people report primarily negative experiences.

Individuals say that they thought they were getting a free report from VinHistoryUSA, only to be charged $1, followed by a monthly subscription fee. Multiple users report that they’ve tried to cancel and asked for a refund, but that they are still being charged by VinHistoryUSA. 

One person’s post says:

“I used VinHistoryUSA because it said it was free. After you submit for the report you pay $1.00 so it’s not free. Then it automatically sets you up for a membership at $18+ a month. I have canceled my account THREE times. They gave me a refund, but I am still getting charges every week for $1.00 for car reports. I haven’t asked for any reports and they are all coming for random cars in states I don’t live in. “ 

They later added an update saying that, though VinHistoryUSA told them they cancelled their account, they were still being charged. In the end, they had to cancel their card. 

The Reddit thread (and others like it) is full of people saying the same thing happened to them and that they were unable to cancel the service or get a refund from VinHistoryUSA. 

On the other hand, one Redditor points out that you have to click a checkbox acknowledging that VinHistoryUSA is a subscription service before you can check out. 

VinHistoryUSA is not Better Business Bureau accredited as of this writing and holds an “F” rating. BBB ratings are a reflection of how the BBB thinks a business interacts with its customers. 

People complain about being charged for a service they never signed up for and being charged a monthly fee despite canceling the trial (and being charged again despite trying to cancel the service). Several people claim their requests to cancel the service were ignored. 

The number of VinHistoryUSA complaints involving individuals having difficulty canceling the service, along with reports of charges coming out of their bank accounts automatically every month, has prompted the BBB to place an alert on VinHistoryUSA’s BBB profile. 

VinHistoryUSA security 

In its privacy policy, VinHistoryUSA briefly describes its security measures.

The company says it takes “reasonable security measures to protect your personal data.” 

It also states that it encrypts user information and will not release it to a third-party organization without the user’s consent. 

VinHistoryUSA privacy

VinHistoryUSA explains in its privacy policy the kind of data it collects, why, and with whom it shares it.

It says it may collect the following information about you:

• Personal details: Name, email address, phone number, address, and payment details. 
• Technical and usage data: IP address, device information, browser type, and your browsing activity.

VinHistoryUSA says it uses cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your experience and analyze website performance.

The company uses this data to provide (and improve) its services, communicate with you, comply with legal obligations, prevent fraud and security threats, and personalize your website experience.

It may share your information with service providers, as well as when legally required to do so, or with your explicit consent.  

VinHistoryUSA states that it does not sell or rent your personal data.

As a VinHistoryUSA user, you have certain privacy rights. For example, you can access or correct your personal data, opt out of marketing emails (through unsubscribe links), and turn off cookies in your browser.

Depending on where you reside (e.g., California), you may have additional privacy rights, such as the right to know what data is collected about you, requests for this data’s deletion, and the right to opt out of targeted advertising.

So, Should You Use VinHistoryUSA?

VinHistoryUSA has quite a few complaints about hidden subscriptions, billing problems, and poor support. 

Our advice is to use caution and consider alternatives.

How to Use VinHistoryUSA Safely and Privately 

• Understand how the VinHistoryUSA trial works and what happens after it. Read the checkout page carefully to confirm you’re registering for a paid subscription after the trial ends. 
• Set yourself a reminder to cancel. This helps you avoid automatic monthly charges.
• Use a virtual or masked card. Cards like these allow you to reduce the risk of ongoing charges.
• Document your cancellation attempts. Multiple users allege that canceling VinHistoryUSA is very difficult, so save screenshots, emails, and confirmation numbers when canceling in case you need to dispute charges in the future.
• Monitor your statements. Check for recurring or unexpected charges, especially small amounts that may indicate continued billing.
• Avoid “Free Report” assumptions. If payment details are required upfront, it may not be free. 
• Don’t share more information than needed. Only enter the minimum required details necessary when signing up for the service.
• Use a dedicated or masked email address. This helps reduce your exposure to marketing or account-related communications.
• Opt out of marketing. Click the unsubscribe link in any of VinHistoryUSA’s emails to stop promotional messages from them.
• Manage cookies. Turn off or restrict cookies in your browser settings to reduce tracking and analytics collection.
• Exercise your rights. Depending on where you live, you may be able to request access, corrections, or deletion of your data. 
• Protect your VinHistoryUSA account. Create a strong password and make sure you don’t reuse it elsewhere on the web.