5 Common Facebook Marketplace Car Scams (And How to Avoid Them)

Facebook Marketplace has become one of the most popular platforms for buying and selling used cars. With its massive user base and easy-to-use interface, it offers convenience that traditional car shopping can't match. However, this popularity has also attracted scammers who have developed sophisticated schemes to defraud unsuspecting buyers.

At Appraizrr, we've analyzed thousands of Facebook Marketplace car listings and identified the most common scams that target car shoppers. In this guide, we'll reveal these deceptive tactics and provide practical advice to help you shop safely.

1. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Price Scam

This is perhaps the most common scam on Facebook Marketplace and relies on a simple principle: offering an irresistible deal that clouds the buyer's judgment.

How it works:

• Scammers list vehicles at 40-60% below market value, creating a sense of urgency
• They claim special circumstances to explain the low price (military deployment, recent divorce, relative's death)
• They tell potential buyers they're getting numerous offers to pressure quick decisions
• When contacted, they often can't meet in person for vehicle viewings due to "logistical issues"

Red flags to watch for:

• Prices that are significantly below market value for the vehicle's condition, mileage, and features
• Elaborate backstories explaining the urgency of the sale
• Reluctance or inability to meet in person or allow vehicle inspection
• Request for deposit or full payment before seeing the vehicle

How to protect yourself:

• Research market values using reliable sources like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds
• Remember the adage: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is
• Never send money before seeing and inspecting the vehicle in person
• Insist on meeting at a safe, public location like a police station parking lot

2. The Fake Vehicle History Report Scam

This sophisticated scam involves manipulating or fabricating vehicle history reports to hide serious problems with the car's past.

How it works:

• Sellers offer to provide "free" vehicle history reports through unfamiliar websites
• They send modified or completely fabricated reports showing clean histories for damaged vehicles
• Some scammers create fake report websites that look similar to legitimate services
• They may use altered VINs that appear similar to the actual vehicle but correspond to undamaged cars

Red flags to watch for:

• Seller-provided history reports from unknown websites rather than established services
• Reports that look unprofessional or contain grammatical errors
• Reluctance to provide the VIN before meeting, preventing you from running your own report
• VIN discrepancies between the report and the actual vehicle

How to protect yourself:

• Always obtain the VIN before meeting and run your own history report through reputable services like Carfax or AutoCheck
• Verify that the VIN on the report matches the one on the vehicle (dashboard, driver's door jamb, and other locations)
• Consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic who can identify signs of previous damage
• Be wary of sellers who seem overly eager to provide their own history reports

3. The Escrow Service Scam

This scam exploits buyers' desire for transaction security by directing them to fake escrow services that steal their money.

How it works:

• Seller suggests using an "escrow service" to hold funds until the buyer receives the vehicle
• They direct the buyer to a fraudulent website that mimics legitimate escrow companies
• The fake service collects payment information and funds, then disappears
• Often, these scammers claim to offer vehicle shipping services as part of the package

Red flags to watch for:

• Seller insists on using a specific escrow service you haven't heard of
• Websites with URLs similar to legitimate services but with slight variations
• Poor website design, grammar errors, or limited contact information
• Escrow services that only accept wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards

How to protect yourself:

• Only use well-established escrow services that you research and contact independently
• Verify the legitimacy of any escrow service by checking with the Better Business Bureau and reading reviews
• Be wary of any transaction that can't be conducted in person
• Never use payment methods that offer no protection or recourse, such as wire transfers or gift cards

4. The Odometer Rollback Scam

Though more sophisticated than simple online fraud, odometer tampering remains one of the most common scams in used car sales, including on Facebook Marketplace.

How it works:

• Sellers digitally alter the car's odometer to show significantly lower mileage
• They may disconnect the odometer for periods of driving to prevent mileage accumulation
• Service records may be altered or "lost" to hide the vehicle's true history
• The car is priced based on the fraudulent lower mileage

Red flags to watch for:

• Wear and tear that doesn't match the reported mileage (worn pedals, steering wheel, or seat upholstery in a "low-mileage" car)
• Missing or incomplete service records
• Service stickers that don't align with the reported mileage
• Digital displays that look altered or inconsistent

How to protect yourself:

• Request service records and verify that mileage increases consistently over time
• Check the vehicle history report for mileage discrepancies
• Look for maintenance items that don't match the reported mileage (like new brakes or timing belts on supposedly low-mileage vehicles)
• Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle and check for signs of odometer tampering

5. The Curbstoning Scam

Curbstoning occurs when unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers to avoid regulations, taxes, and disclosure requirements.

How it works:

• Unlicensed dealers create multiple private seller accounts on Facebook Marketplace
• They sell numerous vehicles without proper dealer licensing
• They often sell vehicles with undisclosed problems, avoiding dealer disclosure laws
• Many curbstoners flip damaged cars after cosmetic repairs that hide structural issues

Red flags to watch for:

• Seller has multiple vehicles listed or has a history of numerous sales
• Meeting location is a parking lot or street rather than a residence
• The title isn't in the seller's name or has just been signed over
• Seller seems overly knowledgeable about car sales process or speaks in industry terms

How to protect yourself:

• Check the seller's profile and look for multiple car listings (past or present)
• Ask how long they've owned the car and why they're selling it
• Verify that the title is in their name and that they've owned the vehicle for a reasonable period
• Be cautious of sellers who seem to have a practiced sales pitch or pressure tactics

General Safety Tips for Facebook Marketplace Car Shopping

Beyond the specific scams mentioned above, here are some general safety practices to follow when buying a car through Facebook Marketplace:

• Always meet in person: Never purchase a vehicle without seeing and testing it personally.
• Choose safe meeting locations: Many police stations have designated "safe exchange zones" for marketplace transactions. Always meet in public, well-lit areas.
• Bring a friend: Don't go alone to see a vehicle, especially for test drives.
• Verify identity: Ask to see the seller's ID and verify it matches the name on the vehicle title.
• Use secure payment methods: Cash is often safest for private party sales, but if the amount is large, consider meeting at the seller's bank.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic inspect any vehicle before purchasing.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong about the transaction or the seller, walk away.

Final Thoughts

While Facebook Marketplace offers a convenient way to find used cars, it requires a careful approach to avoid scams. By understanding the common tactics scammers use and taking proper precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Remember that legitimate sellers will understand your need for caution and will be willing to provide documentation, allow inspections, and meet in person. Anyone pushing for quick payments or trying to circumvent normal car buying practices is likely not someone you want to do business with.

Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and use tools like Appraizrr to help identify potential scams before they cost you time and money.