The 5 Most Common Facebook Marketplace Scams in 2025

Despite Facebook Marketplace's continued popularity for car shopping, it remains a prime hunting ground for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. As we move through 2025, scammers have evolved their tactics, becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approaches.

We've analyzed thousands of marketplace listings and collected reports from buyers across the country to identify the most prevalent scams targeting vehicle shoppers today. Being aware of these tactics is your first line of defense against becoming a victim.

1. The "Too Good To Be True" Price Bait

This classic scam has been refined for 2025, with scammers now using AI to create extremely convincing listings at prices just low enough to attract interest but not so low as to raise immediate suspicion.

How it works: A vehicle is listed at 15-25% below market value—an attractive discount that seems plausible. The seller claims they need to sell quickly due to relocation, military deployment, or a personal crisis. They'll often have a complete story ready with details that make their urgency seem authentic.

Red flags: The seller is "out of town" or otherwise unavailable for an in-person showing. They may offer to arrange shipping and suggest using a third-party escrow service that is actually fraudulent. These listings often contain photos that look professional but show inconsistent backgrounds or weather conditions.

Protection tip: Always insist on seeing the vehicle in person before sending any money. Use reverse image searches to check if photos have been stolen from other listings or dealer websites. Be especially wary of sellers who volunteer too much personal information or elaborate stories without being asked.

2. The Title Washing Scheme

Title washing has become more prevalent as interstate digital title transfers have made it easier to obscure a vehicle's history.

How it works: Sellers purchase salvage or flood-damaged vehicles, move them across state lines, and manipulate the title process to "wash" the branded title clean. They then sell these problem vehicles as if they had clean histories.

Red flags: The seller has owned the vehicle for less than six months. The car has crossed multiple state lines recently. The seller discourages you from running a vehicle history report or claims "those reports are often inaccurate." They might also offer their own "proof" of clean history rather than letting you verify independently.

Protection tip: Always run a comprehensive vehicle history report using the VIN. Check the title carefully for any signs of alteration. Inspect for signs of flood damage, such as musty odors, water lines, or inconsistent wear patterns inside the vehicle.

3. The Remote "Verification" Scam

This relatively new scam exploits people's increased comfort with remote verification processes following the pandemic years.

How it works: The seller agrees to an in-person meeting but then claims they need to "verify you're a real buyer" before meeting. They'll ask you to enter a code they send via text or click a link to "confirm your identity," claiming this is for their safety.

Red flags: Any request to enter verification codes, especially those that come via SMS. Links sent by the seller that ask for your Google or Facebook login credentials. Messages about needing to "verify your identity" before a meeting.

Protection tip: Never enter verification codes sent by potential sellers. These are actually account recovery codes that give scammers access to your email, social media, or payment accounts. Legitimate sellers will not need to "verify" you before a simple vehicle showing.

4. The VIN Cloning Con

VIN cloning has become more sophisticated with advances in digital documentation.

How it works: Criminals steal a vehicle, then find a similar legitimate vehicle of the same make and model. They copy that vehicle's VIN and create fraudulent documentation matching the legitimate vehicle's history. When you check the VIN, it appears clean because you're actually seeing information for a different vehicle.

Red flags: VIN plates that show signs of tampering or appear newer than the vehicle. Inconsistencies between the vehicle's features and what the VIN decoder says should be present. VIN stickers missing from door jambs or other locations. Papers and documentation that have been "lost" or are only available as digital copies.

Protection tip: Check the VIN in multiple locations on the vehicle (dashboard, door jamb, engine block, etc.) to ensure they all match. Pay attention to whether the vehicle's options match what was originally sold with that VIN. Consider having a mechanic verify engine numbers and other key identifiers.

5. The Escrow Payment Scam

This scam has seen a resurgence with increasingly convincing fake payment platforms.

How it works: The seller suggests using an "escrow service" to protect both parties during the transaction. They provide a link to what appears to be a legitimate service, often with professional-looking websites that mimic well-known platforms or create entirely fictional but convincing payment services.

Red flags: Payment platforms you've never heard of. Website links that slightly misspell known companies (like "PayPaI" with a capital I instead of an "l"). Pressure to use their "preferred" payment method only. Websites that look professional but have been registered very recently.

Protection tip: Only use well-known, established payment methods or escrow services that you independently research and contact. Be extremely cautious of any payment platform suggested by the seller, especially if they insist on it. Never click payment links sent directly by sellers; instead, navigate to payment services independently.

Additional Safety Tips for Facebook Marketplace

Beyond watching for these specific scams, here are some general safety practices to follow when shopping for vehicles online:

• Always meet in person before transferring any money, and choose public, well-lit locations for initial meetings.
• Bring a friend to vehicle showings whenever possible.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels off about the seller or the deal, walk away.
• Be wary of urgency tactics like "I have another buyer coming to look later today."
• Verify the seller's identity by asking to see their driver's license and matching it to the vehicle's registration.
• Have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic before purchasing.
• Never wire money or use non-reversible payment methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash transfer apps to people you don't know.

Conclusion

While Facebook Marketplace can be an excellent resource for finding your next vehicle at a competitive price, the platform's open nature makes it a target for scammers. By staying informed about these common scams and following our safety tips, you can protect yourself while still taking advantage of the benefits of person-to-person vehicle shopping.

Remember that legitimate sellers will understand and respect your caution and safety measures. Anyone who pushes back against reasonable verification steps should be approached with extreme caution or avoided entirely.

Stay safe and happy car hunting!