Couple says they lost all their savings to a car scam on Facebook. Red flags to watch for when making purchases through social media

“The guy called me back,” he told the broadcaster in a clip posted Dec. 29. “He’s telling me how nice the truck is. Pristine.”

The seller sent him a Carfax report and a purchase agreement that appeared to be signed by the CEO of a company called DriveLine Motor, News 6 reports. Believing the deal to be real, the husband wired over $12,300 — all the money in the couples savings account — without inspecting the vehicle in-person.

Once the payment cleared, the seller went silent. The company’s website disappeared and phone numbers were disconnected. The couple soon realized they had been scammed.

The risks of buying online

Unfortunately, what happened to the couple above isn’t an isolated case. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, $16.6 billion in losses to cybercrime were reported in 2024 — 33% more than the previous year (2). Complaints of non-payment/non-delivery accounted for over $785 million in losses.

Buying a car on social media carries significantly higher risk than purchasing from a licensed dealer or well-known platform**.** Unlike traditional dealerships or even some online car retailers, social media marketplaces may not offer robust purchase protection programs. There may also be a limit to how much they’re willing to cover and what types of products.

Holly Salmons, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Florida, warned that buyers shouldn’t rely on social media sites to vet small sellers.

“Just because there's a listing doesn't mean anyone has done any sort of vetting,” she told News 6. “That's on you.”

Sellers disappearing after receiving payment isn’t the only risk. Other common issues include buying a vehicle that doesn’t belong to the owner or title and paperwork problems that make it impossible to register or insure the car. Misrepresenting a car’s condition is another trick.

How to avoid getting scammed on social media

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated as the use of digital technology grows. But you can watch out for these red flags:

• The seller tries to rush you, claiming the deal will disappear if you don’t act immediately
• The price seems too good to be true — check how similar vehicles with comparable mileage and condition are priced elsewhere.
• Requests for payment via cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer payment apps or gift cards
• Asking for you to pay a deposit just to view it
• Using so-called “escrow services” that claim to hold your money safely but are actually controlled by the scammer
• Attempts to move communication off the platform, where there’s no record of the conversation

Awareness of these tactics — and a healthy level of skepticism — is a critical first step. It’s also important to actually see the vehicle in front of you before agreeing to buy. Consider also verifying ownership and title status using a trusted, independent source. If you suspect a problem with the vehicle, you may want to arrange an inspection by a qualified professional at your own expense. And of course, avoid purchasing rare or high-valued vehicles without clear buyer protections.

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WKMG News 6 (1); FBI (2)