Selling Your Car? Watch Out for This Sneaky New Scam

Selling your car online seems easy, right? You list it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, and the buyers come rolling in.

But here’s the thing—some of those “buyers” might be scammers looking to pull a fast one on you. This scam has been spotted across the country, and it’s so sneaky that it can leave you questioning what just happened.

Let’s break it down so you know what to watch out for and how to protect yourself.

Here’s How the Scam Plays Out

1. They Reach Out About Your Listing – Everything starts out normal. Someone messages you about your car, acts interested, and arranges to meet up. Sounds legit so far, right? They might even be polite and professional—just like a regular buyer.

2. They Show Up in a Group – When you meet, they don’t come alone. Usually, there’s a small group—at least three people. One of them takes the lead while the others hang back, ready to help execute their little scam.

3. The Distraction Tactic – While one person is looking under the hood, another might ask you to show them the trunk or distract you with questions. It’s all designed to keep your attention away from what’s really happening.

4. The Dirty Trick – Here’s where it gets shady. While you’re distracted, one of the scammers pours oil into the radiator and on the engine manifold. They might even spill some at the back of the car for good measure. Then they take the car for a test drive. Once the engine warms up, the oil starts to smoke.

5. The Fake Breakdown – After the test drive, they open the hood, point to the smoke, and show you oil in the radiator. They dramatically declare, “The engine’s blown!” (Spoiler: it’s not.) They’ll act disappointed and concerned—like they’re doing you a favor by offering to buy the car anyway.

6. The Low-Ball Offer – Now they swoop in with their real goal. “Well, the engine’s toast,” they say, offering you a fraction of the car’s actual value. If you’re not careful, you might feel pressured to take the deal just to get rid of the “broken” car.

How to Protect Yourself

This scam is all about distraction and pressure, but you can avoid falling for it with a few smart moves:

• Meet in a Secure Location – Always meet in a public, well-lit place like a police station parking lot. Never meet at your home.

• Bring a Friend – Two sets of eyes are better than one. A friend can help you spot any shady behavior.

• Stay Focused – Don’t let anyone split your attention. Politely decline distractions and keep your eye on the vehicle and anyone inspecting it.

• Trust Your Gut – If something feels off, walk away. A legit buyer won’t try to pressure or manipulate you.

Selling your car shouldn’t feel like a battle of wits with con artists. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and don’t let these scammers get the better of you. Knowledge is power—and now you’re ready to sell your car with confidence!