The pattern points to a classic online‑marketplace scam: a fake buyer pretends to be from AutoTrader, pushes the conversation to text or email, and then asks for personal data or payment via bogus checks. Stay on the platform’s messaging system, verify buyer identities, and never share photos of IDs or banking info. Insist on secure payment methods like escrow or direct bank transfers, and report suspicious numbers to your carrier. If a deal feels rushed or too good to be true, trust your instincts and walk away.
Similar to other experiences, I encountered a scammer on Autotrader who offered a price close to my asking price but then claimed issues with the online process, which led to a request for personal information and a waste of my time
It would be more helpfull if you explained how the scam actualy works, they dont care about name and adress
Beware of strangers who offer to buy your car on autotrader website with a cashier check, always do transactions securely and never give out your name and adress, this is what scammers want, hopes this info helpes
Upon responding to an auto trader ad, this number asked questions and attempted to negotiate the bottom price, leading me to investigate and discover the modus operandi of the person behind the name Darren.
A scam involves communication via text or email, with the scammer claiming to want an item and offering to pay the asking price, sight unseen, before asking the seller to wire extra money via untraceable means.
After listing a car on AutoTrader, I received an email from a potential buyer who wanted to purchase the vehicle sight unseen, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the transaction.
It is notable that relevant information has been omitted, suggesting that the data may have been obtained from online sources, a seller, or the DMV
A text message was received regarding a purchase from Autotrader Private Seller Exchange, which is concerning as it is unclear how the number was obtained.
This text was a clear example of a scam, with no subtlety whatsoever
I recieved a message via Autotrader about a car I have listed, but it turns out it was just another scammer trying to get personal information from me, they didnt even care about the car, thats pretty low
A response to my AutoTrader ad instructed me to respond to a personal email, as 'relay' emails were not being checked.
This number attempted to impersonate autotrader, requesting a picture of my drivers license and a selfie for authentification
I got a message about my car on autotrader, but I know its a scam, I'm not falling for it
A text message was sent from this number.
The caller claimed to be from the power company, stating that my service was at risk of being shut off due to unpaid bills.
I've received texts from this number, which appears to be operating from multiple states