Car Buying Scams: What You Need To Know Before You Click “Buy”

by Jamie Burgoyne on Jul 15, 2025 1:29:53 PM

Let’s be honest, buying a car online has never been easier, especially with thousands of listings across Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, Gumtree, and other platforms. But with convenience comes risk. And the last thing you want is to hand over your hard-earned cash only to find out… the car (or the seller) isn’t real.

At Marsh Finance, we work with thousands of buyers every year, and we’ve seen how smart scammers are getting. So, whether you’re browsing listings on social media or looking for a private sale, here’s everything you need to know about common car buying scams and how to protect yourself.

✍️ Quick answer: what are the most common car buying scams?

✍️ Why are car buying scams on the rise?

✍️ How to spot a car buying scam

✍️ Buying a car off Facebook or Instagram

✍️ Top tips to avoid car buying scams

✍️ How finance can help you

✍️ What to do if you think you've been scammed

✍️ If it feels off, walk away

✍️ FAQs

A magnifying glass in effect hovering over a keyboard, with 4 red letters in a line reading 'SCAM', symbolising scam detection on computers and laptops.

🚩 Quick Answer: What Are The Most Common Car Buying Scams?

Here's what to watch out for:

Facebook Marketplace scams involving fake listings or cloned ads
Sellers asking for a deposit to “hold” the car, then disappearing
Cars advertised at unrealistically low prices to tempt buyers
Fake paperwork (like MOTs or V5C logbooks)
Clocking scams where the mileage has been illegally rolled back
Sellers using stolen or write-off vehicles
Phishing links pretending to be legit websites or finance companies

A woman with her hands by the sides of her head in visible distress, whilst holding a credit card and a phone, symbolising money struggles.

Why Are Car Buying Scams On The Rise?

Because scammers know where people are shopping… and these days, that’s online. Especially on:

Facebook Marketplace
Instagram ads and stories
WhatsApp groups
eBay or Gumtree
Online classified ads that don’t verify sellers

It’s easy for scammers to clone listings from real dealers, use stock photos, or pretend to be private sellers. And because cars are high-value items, one scam can mean thousands lost.

Phone showing notifications but the senders are trying to con the user.

✅ How To Spot A Car Buying Scam

1. The Price Seems Too Good To Be True

If a £10,000 car is being offered for £4,000, it’s probably not your lucky day… it’s a red flag. Scammers use low prices to lure buyers quickly.

2. They're Rushing You To Pay A Deposit

If someone says “I’ve had loads of interest, send a deposit now to hold it”, stop. That’s a classic scam move.

3. They Refuse To Let You See The Car In Person

If the seller won’t give you a proper viewing, test drive, or even a video call to show the vehicle, chances are the car doesn’t exist.

4. They're Vague About Paperwork

Missing V5C logbook? No MOT history? Excuses like “I’ve just moved house” or “the docs are with my mate” are not worth the risk.

5. They Want Payment Through A Sketchy Link Or App

Scammers often send payment links via email or WhatsApp, posing as a “reputable finance company.” If in doubt, check the company directly, and never pay through unknown links.

Looking for safe car finance? Here’s what reputable companies look for in a car finance application.

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🧠 Real Talk: Buying A Car Off Facebook Or Instagram

We get it, there are real bargains out there. Facebook Marketplace is packed with legit listings, especially for used cars. But here’s what scammers count on:

You’re in a rush to buy
You’re emotionally invested in “the deal”
You’re less likely to run checks when messaging through a social app

Always meet in person, bring someone with you, and never pay for a car you haven’t seen. And don’t forget to check the car’s MOT history on GOV.UK and run an HPI check to make sure it’s not stolen or written off.

A post it note on a desk with 'HELPFUL TIPS!' written on. A notepad and laptop device are either side of the post it, indicating it is on a desk.

🔐 Top Tips To Avoid Car Buying Scams

✅ Research the seller

Google their name or phone number, and if they’ve scammed someone before, it may show up.

✅ Don’t be pressured

Legit sellers won’t push you to send money before you’ve seen the car.

✅ Always view the car

See it. Test drive it. Ask questions. If they refuse, walk away.

✅ Check documents

Ask for the V5C logbook and match the name and address to the seller’s ID.

✅ Use secure payment methods

Never transfer money via Western Union, PayPal “friends and family,” or links from strangers.

A red model car on stacks of coins increasing in volume from right to left, representing car costs and finances.

💡 Bonus Tip: Finance Can Actually Protect You

Using regulated car finance can offer more protection than a cash purchase. Lenders like Marsh Finance carry out checks on the vehicle and seller, reducing your risk of fraud.

Not sure if you’ll be accepted? Here’s what you need to know about credit scores and car finance.

Finance Check Without Impacting Your Credit Score

Take the step to safe car buying today

Finance Check

A side on triangle warning of scams with floating communication icons emerging from behind the triangle.

🚨 What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

Stop all communication with the seller immediately
Report the scam to Action Fraud (UK's national fraud reporting centre)
Contact your bank to see if they can recall the payment
Gather all the evidence, messages, screenshots, listings
Inform the platform (e.g. Facebook, Gumtree) so they can take the ad down

An overhead shot of a person walking in the dark, except for a light path made by external light.

Final Thoughts: If It Feels Off, Walk Away

Car buying should be exciting, not stressful. But with so many scams out there, a little caution goes a long way.

If you’re not sure, trust your gut. And if a seller is giving you the run-around, remember, the right car (and the right deal) will never come with that much pressure.

Looking for peace of mind when buying a car?
Talk to the team at Marsh Finance. We work with trusted dealerships and vetted vehicles, so you can focus on the car, not the worry. Check out your finance options today without impacting your credit score.

One yellow question mark amongst a sea of black question marks.

Car Buying Scams FAQs

The most common car buying scams include fake listings on Facebook Marketplace, cloned ads, sellers asking for deposits and disappearing, clocked mileage, fake logbooks, and phishing payment links. Always verify the car, paperwork, and seller before sending money.

A fake car listing often features a price that’s too good to be true, vague details, stock photos, or pressure to pay a deposit without viewing the car. Always check the MOT history, run an HPI check, and meet the seller in person before committing.

While there are genuine sellers on Facebook and Instagram, these platforms are also hotspots for car scams. Never send a deposit without seeing the car, and always verify the seller’s identity, documents, and vehicle history before purchase.

If you think you’ve been scammed, stop all contact with the seller immediately. Report the fraud to Action Fraud (UK), contact your bank to try to recall the payment, collect all evidence, and notify the platform where the listing appeared.

Yes, regulated car finance can offer more protection than paying cash. Lenders like Marsh Finance carry out checks on the vehicle and seller, helping to reduce the risk of fraud. It’s a safer way to buy, especially when purchasing privately.

You can run a vehicle history check (HPI check) to see if a car has been written off, stolen, or has outstanding finance. You should also check the MOT history for free on the GOV.UK website using the car’s registration number.

Avoid paying through PayPal “friends and family,” Western Union, or any payment link sent via email or WhatsApp. These are often used in scams. Use secure, traceable payment methods or go through a regulated car finance provider.

Scammers ask for deposits up front to steal money without delivering a car. They create urgency by claiming “high demand” or “other interested buyers.” Legitimate sellers will never ask for money before you’ve seen and inspected the vehicle.

Topics: Car Finance Support & Advice