Recognize the pattern
How it starts
Vehicle marketplaces, resale groups or sales messages.
The promise
A bargain car with platform-protected delivery after payment.
What happens next
Stolen photos and buyer protection branding move payment off-platform, followed by invented delivery or insurance charges.
Signs to watch for
- No viewing or independent inspection
- VIN does not match documents
- Off-platform payment and added shipping fees
Start with what you can do now
If this happened to you
Pause shipping fees and remaining payment
Notify the bank and marketplace
Keep vehicle ads and escrow documents; report fraud
What to save
Keep the original records. Use copies to organize the details.
- Listing and photos
- VIN and registration details
- Escrow or shipping emails
- Recipient and payment records
Before you send money
- Verify the vehicle identification number and seller independently.
- Arrange a real inspection before paying.
- Check any supposed buyer protection or escrow service directly.
These guides explain common patterns. The facts of your situation and your payment provider’s rules determine which steps are available.