Scam Protection

How to Avoid Scams
When Selling Your Car in Ireland

Car selling scams are rampant on Done Deal and Facebook Marketplace. Here are the exact red flags to watch for — and what to do when you spot them.

⚠️ Important: If something feels off, trust your gut. Legitimate buyers don't pressure you, don't offer over asking price, and don't need you to use unusual payment methods.

The most common scams in Ireland

1. The overseas buyer scam

You receive a message from someone claiming to be abroad (UK, US, Middle East) who wants to buy the car without viewing it. They offer to pay over asking price and arrange their own collection.

Red flags: Wants to buy unseen. Offers over asking price. Claims to be overseas. Wants to use an "escrow service" or third-party shipper. Sends a cheque for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference.

What to do: Ignore and block. No legitimate buyer buys a used car unseen from abroad.

2. The fake bank transfer

The buyer sends a screenshot of a bank transfer as "proof of payment" and asks for the keys immediately. The transfer never actually arrives.

Red flags: Shows you a screenshot instead of letting you check your own account. Creates urgency ("I need to leave now"). Transfer is "pending" or "processing".

What to do: Never hand over keys until the money is actually in your account. Log in yourself and confirm the balance has changed.

3. The WhatsApp-only contact

Scammers often avoid phone calls and insist on WhatsApp only. This makes it easier to operate multiple fake identities and harder for you to verify who you're dealing with.

Red flags: Refuses to call. Responds only via WhatsApp or Messenger. Profile has no history or was created recently.

What to do: Always insist on a phone call before arranging a viewing. Legitimate buyers are happy to call.

4. The test drive theft

The "buyer" asks to test drive alone, claiming they need to show their partner or mechanic. They drive away and don't return.

Red flags: Wants to test drive without you. Insists on taking the car to a mechanic themselves. Has a friend waiting nearby in another car.

What to do: Always accompany every test drive. No exceptions.

5. The lowball + pressure combo

Not a scam exactly, but a manipulation tactic. The buyer arrives, finds small faults with the car, and makes an aggressive lowball offer — then creates pressure by saying they have cash "right now" and need an answer immediately.

Red flags: Immediate lowball on arrival. "I have cash right now." "I need to leave in 10 minutes." Mentions other cars they're looking at.

What to do: Stay calm. "Thanks for the offer — I'm not in a rush to sell, I'll wait for the right price." You are in control.

6. The finance/PCP trap

A buyer agrees to purchase the car but reveals at the last moment they need to settle finance first, or they want to take the car and pay in instalments.

Red flags: Asks about taking the car before payment clears. Mentions "my finance comes through next week." Asks if you'd accept a deposit and weekly payments.

What to do: Full payment before keys. Always. No exceptions.

Safe payment methods

✅

Bank transfer (Faster Payments)

Best option. Instant in Ireland. Confirm the money is in your account before handing over keys.

✅

Cash

Acceptable for smaller amounts. Count it yourself. Use a counterfeit pen above €1,000.

❌

Cheque

Never accept. Cheques can bounce days after you've handed over the car.

❌

PayPal / Revolut

Avoid for car sales. Payments can be reversed. Not suitable for large transactions.

How to verify a genuine buyer

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