It looks like the deal of the year: a well-maintained SUV listed on Craigslist for thousands below market value. The seller says they’re using eBay Motors for a “safe transaction.” You get an email that looks official, complete with eBay logos, order numbers, and tracking info. But here’s the truth—**it’s all fake**. In this article, we expose one of the most deceptive scams targeting Craigslist car buyers today.
1. The Basics: How This Scam Works
Here’s how the fake eBay Motors scam typically unfolds:
- You find a Craigslist car ad with an unusually low price
- The seller claims they’re using eBay Motors to handle payment and shipping
- They ask for your name, email, and shipping info
- You receive a fake eBay Motors email with payment instructions
- You send money—usually via gift cards, wire, or crypto—and never hear back
Important: eBay Motors does not handle private Craigslist transactions. Craigslist and eBay are completely separate platforms.
2. Why It’s So Convincing
Scammers use professional-looking fake emails that mimic real eBay messages. These emails often include:
- eBay logos and layout identical to the real thing
- Order numbers, VIN, seller info, and shipping status
- “Buyer Protection” guarantees and refund policies
Some even include fake customer service numbers that connect you to the scammer’s team.
3. Real Example of a Scam Email
“Your payment is being held securely by eBay until the vehicle is delivered to your address. Once you confirm satisfaction, funds will be released to the seller.”
“To complete your purchase, please send $2,900 via eBay-approved gift cards. Instructions have been sent to your email.”
Red flags:
- eBay never accepts gift cards, crypto, or Zelle as payment for vehicles
- eBay Motors only works with listings created on eBay, not Craigslist
4. Common Lies Scammers Use
- “I’m in the military and being deployed”
- “The car is already in a shipping warehouse”
- “eBay is handling everything for our protection”
- “I can’t talk—just check your email from eBay”
These stories are crafted to make you act fast and trust the platform.
5. How to Instantly Spot a Fake eBay Motors Transaction
- The seller contacts you outside of eBay, usually via Craigslist or Facebook
- You’re asked to pay through untraceable methods (gift cards, wire, crypto)
- The email domain is something like ebay-motors-support@consultant.com
- You’re promised a refund or delivery guarantee—only after payment
- The listing is gone or flagged on Craigslist shortly after you reply
6. What Real eBay Transactions Look Like
eBay transactions will always follow these rules:
- Buyers and sellers communicate through the eBay platform only
- All payments are processed through official eBay checkout
- eBay never contacts you from a Gmail, Outlook, or .consultant domain
- eBay never asks for gift cards, wire transfers, or outside payment apps
7. What to Do If You Receive a Fake eBay Email
- Do not reply or send any information
- Forward the message to spoof@ebay.com
- Report the Craigslist ad as a scam
- Block the sender and alert your email provider
If you already paid:
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately
- File a report with IC3.gov
- Report to the FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
8. Final Thoughts: If It’s Not Listed on eBay, It’s Not Protected by eBay
Scammers rely on you not knowing how eBay Motors actually works. They fake everything—from emails and invoices to shipping policies and buyer protection guarantees. But the truth is simple: **if the car isn’t listed on eBay itself, there is no eBay protection—period.**
Don’t let a good deal blind you. When in doubt, walk away. No car is worth getting scammed over.