With all the excitement and confusion surrounding the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), consumers have faced certain risks from intentional deceit and mismanagement. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a report warning about possible scams surrounding the cash for clunkers program.

The BBB cites unofficial Web sites seeking to register customers for the credit, even collecting Social Security numbers. Anxious consumers fueled by a desire to get the credit before the money ran out were at risk for identity theft on such sites.

Clearly there are a few pitfalls that a wary consumer could avoid. Our colleagues on the Consumer Reports Money blog run through several, with advice on how to smartly negotiate the program.

For further information, visit our cash for clunkers resource center, where you’ll find FAQs, recommended cars lists, and the latest CARS news.

—Jeff Bartlett