A car sale scam involves fraudulent activity during the process of buying or selling a car.
Scammers often deceive victims into paying for vehicles that don’t exist, are not as described, or have been illegally altered.
These scams can target buyers and sellers alike and are often carried out on online platforms like eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Maketplace, through classified ads, or even face-to-face transactions.
Victims may lose substantial amounts of money, and in some cases, unknowingly become involved in criminal activity such as handling stolen goods.
Knowing how these scams operate, recognising red flags, and understanding your rights can help you avoid falling victim.
If you’ve run into trouble with a car sale scam, don’t worry. We’re here to help. All you have to do is get in touch with us by clicking the buttons below or by calling us on the number above.

Car sale scams come in many forms, and understanding their methods can help you stay vigilant. Some common scams include:
Fake Listings – Scammers post adverts for cars that don’t exist or are misrepresented. Victims are often asked to pay a deposit or the full amount upfront, only to find out the seller disappears once payment is made. Always verify the car’s existence and authenticity before making any payments.
Overpayment Scams – Fraudsters pose as buyers and send fake cheques or bank transfers for more than the agreed price. They then request the seller to refund the difference, but the initial payment turns out to be fraudulent. Verify all payments with your bank before issuing any refunds.
Dodgy Dealers – Unscrupulous sellers hide serious issues like accident damage, mechanical faults, or outstanding finance on the vehicle. Conduct a full vehicle history check, inspect the car thoroughly, and consider having a mechanic evaluate it before purchase.
Escrow Scams – Scammers set up fake third-party escrow services to trick buyers into believing their payment is secure. Always use trusted and well-established payment methods.
This is an overview of some of the most common car sale scams to watch out for, but there are more sophisticated scams that we deal with, which we explore below.