How To Avoid Scams When Buying a Car on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace connects car buyers with millions of private sellers, but the platform’s simplicity puts you at risk. According to Santander, Facebook car scams increased 87% between 2022 and 2023. Without built-in verification or transaction features, you’ll need to protect yourself from car scams.
DealNow gives you self-serve technology for safe, quick vehicle transactions. Find a car on Facebook—finish strong with DealNow.
We’ll help you avoid car-buying scams, spot seller red flags, and show you the safest way to buy your dream car.
Step 1: Get To Know the Seller
When buying a car through Facebook Marketplace, your first challenge is confirming that you’re dealing with a legitimate seller. The platform lets anyone create listings with minimal oversight, which attracts scammers hiding behind fake seller profiles.
Most verification methods are awkward and imperfect. Meeting at the seller’s address exposes you to risk, and asking strangers for ID is uncomfortable for everyone. Some potential buyers turn to background check services, but these are expensive and time-consuming. Others rely on customer reviews or mutual Facebook friends, but scammers can fake these social proof signals.
DealNow eliminates these verification headaches. When you find a car on Facebook, invite the seller to a DealNow dealroom. Both parties undergo identity verification checks during account creation, so you know the seller is using their legal identity. Our platform keeps your contact details private while providing a secure form of communication for verified buyers and sellers.
Step 2: Research the Vehicle
A vehicle history report is your next defense against potential scams. Fraudulent sellers often push for quick sales before you can research the car’s past. Don’t fall for this pressure—without proper verification, you could end up buying stolen property, a salvage title vehicle, or a car with serious hidden damage.
A vehicle history report reveals:
- Ownership timeline
- Accident history
- Title status and brands
- Service records
- Safety recalls
- Registration history
- Odometer readings
- Structural damage reports
- Liens against the vehicle
- Theft records
To run a report, you’ll need the vehicle identification number (VIN). Avoid sellers who won’t provide the VIN or make excuses about sharing it. Legitimate sellers understand that sharing the VIN is normal when selling big-ticket items such as cars.
Some scammers provide a fake vehicle history report or tamper with documentation to hide problems. Always get reports from trusted vehicle history report websites.
DealNow lets you order a vehicle history report right from your dashboard with just a couple of clicks. We partner with trusted reporting services to give you accurate, comprehensive vehicle histories.
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Step 3: Inspect the Vehicle and Test Drive
Never skip the inspection or test drive. These steps help you avoid misrepresentation or bait-and-switch scams. A legitimate seller will welcome an inspection and test drive. If they resist either, consider it a major red flag.
When meeting to see the car, follow these safety practices:
- Meet in a well-lit public place during daylight hours.
- Bring a friend or family member.
- Choose locations with security cameras and witnesses.
- Avoid secluded areas or private residences.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away.
During your inspection:
- Verify the VIN matches across the vehicle history report, the car’s VIN plate, and title paperwork.
- Check that the odometer reading aligns with documentation.
- Look for modifications and request receipts for any upgrades.
- Test all features, especially those the seller claims are “recently fixed.”
- Document the car’s condition with photos.
Even if you’re an avid car enthusiast, get a professional inspection. A mechanic can catch problems you might miss and provide documentation of the car’s condition at the time of sale. Ethical sellers understand the importance of this step.
DealNow makes it easy for you to set up a test drive. The seller sets their availability, and you choose a time slot from the list. No awkward back and forth or time-wasting conversations. The best part? If you find an out-of-state Facebook car, DealNow simplifies the long-distance car purchase process. Choose an inspection time, and let our third-party mechanical inspector phone you in while they check the car. If you like it, the inspector doubles as your agent to handle paperwork and coordinate shipping.
Step 4: Check the Paperwork
Look for a clean title in the seller’s name, current registration, complete maintenance records, and title details that match the history report and the car’s VIN.
All documents should tell a consistent story about the car’s history. Be suspicious if you notice:
- Title information that doesn’t match the vehicle history report.
- Registration in a different name than the seller’s.
- Service records showing gaps or inconsistencies.
- The seller can’t show original documents.
- Title brands or damage history that wasn’t disclosed.
- Outstanding loans or liens against the vehicle.
A legitimate seller will have their paperwork in order and ready to show. Be wary if the seller claims missing documentation is “nothing to worry about” or promises to mail you paperwork later.
Title problems must be resolved before you pay for the car. Some sellers may pressure you to complete the sale with promises to “handle the paperwork later.” Don’t fall for this—without proper documentation, you could end up with a car you can’t legally register.
DealNow’s optional title check verifies the car’s status and confirms the seller’s ownership. Our platform provides secure document storage and sharing, making it easy to review all paperwork before meeting in person.
Step 5: Use a Bill of Sale
When two strangers try to exchange a car for money, there’s an inherent trust problem: you want to be sure you’ll get the car before paying, and the seller wants to get paid before signing over the title. This creates a catch-22.
Some people turn to escrow and escrow-like companies to solve this dilemma. An escrow service can hold funds until both parties fulfill their obligations, but beware—scammers create fake escrow company websites to steal your money. Escrow scams are rare. Regardless, escrow services are expensive and time-consuming.
A better solution is a bill of sale. This legally binding document outlines all transaction details:
- Names and addresses of buyer and seller
- Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
- Agreed-upon sale price and date
- Odometer reading
- Any warranties or “as-is” declarations
- Both parties’ signatures
You could print two copies and meet to sign them, but paper bills of sale have several problems:
- A scammer might use a false identity.
- A criminal could destroy both copies after receiving payment.
- Papers can be lost or damaged.
- Modifications after signing are difficult to prove.
DealNow solves these problems. Both parties sign a digital bill of sale in the app before money changes hands. Your bill of sale is safely stored in the cloud—protected from loss, theft, or tampering. Because we’ve verified both parties’ identities, you know you have the seller’s legal name on a binding document that protects your purchase.
Step 6: Use a Secure Payment Method
Many Facebook scams are about getting your money without delivering a vehicle. Fraudsters have different schemes to steal your payment, including fake escrow services (more on this below). DealNow eliminates payment risks by transferring your funds directly to the verified seller’s account only after they’ve signed a legally binding bill of sale.
With DealNow, you get the car and finish the deal without any funny business.Â
What Are the Most Common Scams on Facebook?
Before shopping for cars on Facebook Marketplace, familiarize yourself with these actual scams so you can avoid them.
Phishing Scams
A scam type where the seller asks for your phone number to send a verification code, claiming they need to verify your identity. In reality, they’re trying to collect your information for identity theft. Never share verification codes with strangers.
Deposit Scams
The seller lists an attractive vehicle at a great price but claims they have multiple interested parties. They pressure you for an advance deposit to “hold” the car, often via money transfer services. Once you send the deposit, the scammer disappears.
Shipping Scams
A common scheme targeting long-distance buyers. The seller claims they’ll handle shipping after you pay, often pushing you toward their “preferred” shipping company. Both the car and shipping company are fake—designed to steal your advance payment.
Escrow Scams
The scammer directs you to what appears to be a legitimate escrow service. These fake escrow operations steal your payment and disappear. The website was created by the scammer to appear legitimate and provide deniability.
Price Switching Scams
You agree on a price, but when you meet, the seller claims there was a “misunderstanding” and demands more money. They try to pressure you to pay more since you’ve already invested time in the transaction.
Cloning Scams
Criminals sell stolen vehicles using VINs copied from legally registered cars. They create counterfeit documents that seem legitimate.
The "Just Needs" Scams
Sellers advertise cars with supposedly minor issues that “just need” an inexpensive repair. In reality, the stated problem is often a symptom of major mechanical issues. They’re hoping to offload a problematic car and make a quick buck.
Don’t become another Marketplace scam statistic. DealNow is the perfect security solution for private-party car sales. Our platform’s verification process deters scammers while making legitimate transactions smooth and secure.
How To Spot Red Flags When Buying a Car
When shopping for cars for sale on Facebook, watch for these warning signs.
Suspicious Seller Behavior
- Avoids voice calls or meeting face-to-face
- Uses multiple different contact methods
- Won’t let you inspect the car in person
- Pushes for immediate purchase without proper checks
- Writing style doesn’t match their supposed background
- Provides vague responses about the car
Listing and Documentation Problems
- Details in the listing don’t match the actual car
- No service history
- Blurry or old photos
- Won’t show the registration or title
- Missing or incomplete paperwork
Test Drive Red Flags
- Refuses test drives
- Rushes through the showing
- Won’t allow mechanical inspection
- Engine “already warmed up”
Strange Circumstances
- Only offers to ship, no viewing
- Has dramatic reasons for selling
- Asks for sensitive personal data
- Involves unnecessary third parties
Payment Warning Signs
- Demands a deposit without inspection
- Suggests unusual payment services
- Refuses standard payment methods
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One or two red flags might indicate an inexperienced seller. But when multiple warning signs appear, walk away. There are plenty of legit sellers with quality vehicles available.
What is the safest way to buy a car through Facebook Marketplace?
Imagine a transaction platform that protects you from car scams without sacrificing convenience or speed. As automotive and e-commerce industry experts, we created DealNow to help buyers and sellers safely and quickly finish car transactions.
- Verified sellers: We detour scammers from the start. ID verification assures you you’re dealing with a seller using their legal identity.
- Bank-level security: Your funds are protected with advanced encryption and held in an FDIC-insured account.
- Secure communication: Our dealroom feature lets you talk to sellers without exposing your details, reducing the risk of phishing or identity theft.
- Title verification: Our optional title check confirms the seller owns the car and reveals any liens or title issues.
- Digital bill of sale: This legal document provides escrow-like safeguards without the inconvenience and expense of escrow services.
- Protection for remote purchases: Buying from an out-of-town seller? Instant payment, digital documentation, and remote mechanical inspection make long-distance car purchases as safe as local ones.
From initial contact to final paperwork, we enable you to buy a car confidently and safely. After you’ve used DealNow, you’ll never go back.
Facebook Scams FAQ
How do you expose a scammer on Facebook?
If you encounter a scammer, take these steps to protect others:
- Report the listing to Facebook:
- Click the three dots on the listing
- Select “Report Listing”
- Choose the reason (fraud/scam)
- Add details about the scam attempt
- Document everything:
- Save screenshots of the listing
- Keep all message exchanges
- Record any suspicious links or requests
- Note the seller’s profile details before they can delete them
- Report to authorities:
- File a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Contact your local police if money was lost
- Report to the FTC’s fraud division
- Alert your state’s consumer protection office
- Warn others:
- Share details in local buying/selling groups
- Post warnings about the specific scam type
- Help others recognize similar scam attempts
The best way to fight scammers is to use tools that repel them. DealNow verifies all sellers, protects your contact information, and requires sellers to sign a digital bill of sale before payment.Â
How can I tell if I'm dealing with an auto dealer posing as a private seller?
Some auto dealers try to avoid regulations by posing as private sellers on Facebook. Watch for multiple vehicle listings from the same account, dealer-style photos, or a seller who seems too knowledgeable about the auto industry. Use DealNow’s verification system to ensure you’re dealing with a properly identified seller.
Is it safe to buy electric vehicles through Facebook Marketplace?
Electric vehicles require extra due diligence because of their complex systems and potential battery issues. Always get a specialized inspection from someone familiar with EVs. DealNow can help you arrange inspections with qualified experts who understand gasoline-powered vehicles and EVs.
What's the 24-hour rule when buying cars on Facebook?
A good rule of thumb is to take extra time—at least 24 hours—before committing to any car purchase. Scammers create urgency to force quick decisions, but legitimate sellers understand you need time for inspection and research. DealNow’s step-by-step transaction process and integrated buyer tools process help you make an informed decision.
Should I trust seller profiles with lots of Facebook friends and positive reviews?
Scam accounts often use fake profiles with stolen photos and manufactured social connections. Some even buy fake Google Reviews or create elaborate backstories. Instead of relying on social proof, use DealNow to confirm seller identity and vehicle ownership.
How can I protect myself when buying from another state?
Long-distance purchases require additional steps for safety. Never wire money up front or use shipping companies suggested by the seller. DealNow can coordinate with your local insurance company for coverage, arrange an independent inspection, and handle secure payment and shipping logistics.
Why do some sellers want to move to external communication?
Scammers often push for external communication to avoid Facebook’s monitoring systems. They might claim their messages aren’t working or suggest alternate platforms. This is usually the first step in various scams. DealNow’s secure messaging keeps all communication within our encrypted platform.
How can I protect my identity when communicating with sellers?
Instead of sharing your real phone number or email, consider using a temporary Google Voice number for initial contact. However, never share a verification code if requested—this is a common scam. Avoid sending copies of your credit reports or other sensitive documents.Â
When you bring the transaction to DealNow, you use our encrypted communication system. Connect and chat with a seller without sharing any of your details.
What should I check during the pre-purchase inspection?
Professional vehicle inspections are necessary. Have a certified mechanic check the engine, transmission, frame, and electrical systems. They can spot hidden problems that could save you thousands in future repairs.
How can I verify the previous owners?
A vehicle history report shows ownership changes, service records, and accidents. Be wary of shady sellers who won’t share this information or if the number of previous owners seems inconsistent with the car’s age.
How do I research the right purchase price?
Start with Kelley Blue Book to understand fair market value. Check online marketplaces to compare similar cars in your area, and factor in the car’s condition and any modifications to determine what you’re willing to pay.
What personal information should I protect?
Never share your social security number or other sensitive details with private sellers. Professional scammers might charm you into a false sense of security that leads to careless information sharing. Use DealNow’s secure platform to protect your private data while verifying both parties’ identities.
References
Santander. (2023, 11). Facebook fraudsters driving off with thousands as car scams nearly double. Santander.
https://www.santander.co.uk/about-santander/media-centre/press-releases/facebook-fraudsters-driving-off-with-thousands-as-car
