ID Theft - Is it safe to give out your car VIN # when trying to sell your car online?

Is it safe to give out your car VIN # when trying to sell your car online?

I'm worried about ID theft, or worse...Why do they ask for it anyway, when I will be providing them the official Vehicle report when they come to see the car?

Public Comments

No there really isn't much a person can do with your VIN, and if I was buying from you i would ask for it too so that I could get a carfax either that or I would ask you to buy the carfax.
Yes, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number-- so saying 'VIN # ' is a bit redundant) is the unique identifier for the vehicle, not for you, so you should have no concern about ID theft by offering it to them. It tells there where the vehicle was made, and information about the motor and other accessories, and the date of the vehicle. They can not use the VIN to get any personal information about you, since that is restricted information.
Someone can't steal your identity by your VIN, and anyone could see your VIN whenever you're parked anywhere public. It's as safe as giving out your first name, or giving out your license plate (something even more easily visible). What would someone do knowing your license plate number? Certainly not get a credit card.
The only thing a vin will tell you, is what make, model, year made, month made, assembly plant, options, engine, transmission. Theres absolutely nothing about you in it. People ask for it so they can find out for themselves what they are getting. Your description might say that you have a v8,but your not specific enough in your detail, because the car came with 3 different types of v8s. If the car originally came a v6 and all of the sudden the vin tells you theres a 4 cyl in it, somethings fishy.... also, whats telling you the person is in the same state as you? you could be in iowa, and i call you from indiana... why would you expect me to fly out to iowa to find out the vehicle report?
It's perfectly safe, they are wanting to run a CarFax report, or a vin check with the DMV. It will show non personal info, so your identity will be safe.