When we think of Craigslist car scams, we often picture dishonest sellers tricking buyers. But the truth is, **private sellers are increasingly being targeted by scammers**, sometimes with devastating consequences. If you’re planning to sell your car online, this guide is essential reading. We’ll break down the most common scams aimed at sellers, how to spot red flags, and how to protect yourself every step of the way.
1. The Overpayment Scam: Too Much, Too Fast
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. A scammer offers to buy your vehicle quickly—often without even seeing it—and sends you a cashier’s check or money order for more than the asking price. They then request that you return the “extra” funds.
The catch? The original payment is fake and will bounce days later. By then, you’ve already wired back the overage or handed over the car.
Red flags:
- Buyer sends a check or payment before inspection
- Overpays and asks you to return the difference
- Claims the “extra” is for shipping or taxes
2. Fake Shipping Agents and Third-Party Pickup Scams
Some fake buyers claim they are buying the car for someone else—often overseas or in the military—and will send someone to pick it up. They’ll pressure you to pay a fake shipping fee or arrange logistics through a fraudulent service.
Never pay a third party on behalf of a buyer, and always confirm shipping and payment details personally and securely.
3. Text Message Bots and Phishing Links
Scammers often use text bots to contact sellers. Messages may look like this:
“Is your car still available? Please reply to my personal email at: buyer1234@gmail.com”
Once you respond, they may send a phishing link asking you to “verify your account” or “see the buyer profile.” These links are designed to steal your login or banking info.
4. Fake VIN Report Requests
A newer scam involves buyers who ask you to provide a VIN report—but only from a specific website they link to. The link leads to a fake site that charges you money for a worthless report or collects your credit card info.
Tip: Only use trusted VIN check sites like CARFAX, AutoCheck, or NICB VINCheck.
5. “I’ll Send Someone to Inspect It for Me”
This scam often leads to identity theft. The “inspector” may ask to take photos of your documents or have you fill out a form. Sometimes it’s just a way to case your address or personal information.
Legitimate buyers usually come in person and inspect the vehicle themselves—or use well-known, traceable inspection services.
6. How to Know If a Craigslist Buyer Is a Scammer
- They want to buy your car without seeing it
- They overpay or suggest weird payment methods
- They insist on communicating only via email or text
- They avoid answering direct questions
- They send suspicious links or request personal info
7. Safe Practices for Selling Your Car on Craigslist
- Meet in a well-lit public area (police station lots are ideal)
- Bring a friend or family member with you
- Verify buyer ID and match it to payment details
- Use secure payment methods: cash (counted together), verified cashier’s checks (at the bank), or in-person bank transfers
- Never hand over the title or keys before full payment clears
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, stop
8. What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If you suspect a buyer is trying to scam you:
- Stop all communication
- Do not click any links they send
- Report the listing and messages to Craigslist
- File a report with the FTC and your local authorities
- Consider freezing your credit if you shared sensitive information
9. Real Seller Story: “I Almost Shipped My Car to a Ghost”
Tom, a private seller in Nevada, listed his truck on Craigslist. Within hours, he received a message from a buyer offering full price, sight unseen. The buyer insisted on using a ‘military transport company’ and even sent a fake eBay Motors invoice. Fortunately, Tom recognized the red flags and never sent the title—or the car.
“If I hadn’t Googled ‘Craigslist military car scam,’ I might have shipped it to nowhere,” he said.
10. Final Thoughts: Sellers Need Protection Too
Craigslist scams don’t just target buyers—**sellers are now at equal risk**. Scammers know private sellers often lack formal systems, rely on trust, and want quick transactions. That’s why you need to be just as skeptical and cautious when selling as when buying.
Remember: If someone seems too eager, too generous, or too secretive—it’s probably a scam. When in doubt, slow down, ask questions, and never hand over your car or your personal info until you’re 100% sure.