How to avoid Facebook Marketplace car scams

If you’re after a cheap runaround, Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to snag a bargain. But while the platform is booming for private car sales, it’s also a hotspot for Facebook Marketplace car scams and other car buying scams on Facebook.

This handy guide will help you spot the red flags so you can safely navigate these scams and take advantage of the growing market for quality used cars.

Remember, you can buy a used car right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What is a Facebook Marketplace scam?

Anyone can list their car for sale on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, and most of the ads you see will be genuine. However, a small handful may not be as they seem.

Some shady sellers use stolen photos of cars they don’t actually own to lure you in. They’ll chat with you online, convince you everything’s legitimate, then push you to pay a big deposit – or even the full price – before you’ve even seen the car in person. Once the money’s gone, they vanish.

Meta says it’s working to tackle scams and encourages users to report suspicious activity, but scammers often take conversations off the platform where they can’t be tracked. The best defence? Stay alert and never pay upfront for a car you haven’t seen.

How can I avoid getting scammed on Facebook?

Buying a used car online can be a great way to snag a bargain, but you’ve got to keep your wits about you. And there are a few ways you can protect yourself from getting scammed on Facebook Marketplace, or any buying and selling website for that matter.

First, scammers often post listings for cars that look too good to be true, such as a nearly new model at a suspiciously low price. Always compare prices for similar cars to spot deals that might be too good to be true.

Watch out if a seller tries to move the chat off Facebook Messenger to email or text. It makes it harder to track and report anything suspicious. And don’t let anyone pressure you into paying upfront – you should only hand over money once you’ve seen the car in person and you’re happy with it.

Make sure you carry out all the usual checks before buying a car. A HPI check is especially important when buying privately, as it will show if the car has been stolen, written off, scrapped, or has any outstanding finance.

What can I do if I’ve been scammed on Facebook?

Even experienced buyers can fall victim to online scams, and acting quickly can improve your chances of getting your money back. The first step is to stop all contact with the seller and save any messages, screenshots, and receipts, as these may be needed to request a refund or report the scam.

If you paid for the car by credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may protect you for purchases between £100 and £30,000, even if you only paid a deposit. Debit card payments aren’t covered, but you can request a chargeback from your bank, usually within 120 days.

If you made a bank transfer, be aware that protection is limited under UK regulations, and banks may deduct up to £100 if they find you were extremely careless. Payments via PayPal or similar services may be refundable under Buyer Protection if disputes are opened within 180 days. Unfortunately, cash and money transfers such as Western Union are rarely recoverable.

You should also report the scam on Facebook Marketplace, and consider reporting it to Action Fraud or seeking guidance from Citizens Advice. If your bank or payment provider doesn’t resolve the issue, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

To reduce the risk of future scams, use secure payment methods, verify seller profiles, meet in public places, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

How do I avoid being scammed when selling my car on Facebook?

When selling your car on Facebook Marketplace, stick to cash only, and meet up somewhere safe and public. Bring a friend along if you can, and keep all your chats on Facebook instead of giving out personal info. Watch out for deals that seem way too good to be true, and always trust your gut. If something feels off, report it to Facebook and move on.

Facebook Marketplace car scams FAQs

What are red flags on Facebook Marketplace?

Watch out for sellers who:

• Have a new or incomplete profile.
• Offer prices that seem “too good to be true”.
• Pressure you to use unusual payment methods such as gift cards.
• Ask for personal information.
• Try to move the conversation off Facebook.
• Post listings with vague descriptions or low-quality photos.

Why are cars so cheap on Facebook Marketplace?

Sometimes cars are cheap for legitimate reasons – such as private sellers without a dealership’s overhead, people who just want a quick sale, or local deals that work out for everyone. But sometimes a low price can be a red flag for scams, like fake listings, damaged cars being misrepresented, or tricks to get you to send money before you’ve even seen the car. Basically, if a deal seems too good to be true, it’s worth double-checking.

Is it safe to buy a car from Facebook Marketplace in the UK?

Yes, just be sure you do your homework. Check out the seller, make sure the details add up, and follow a careful buying process.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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