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Car expert warns drivers over ‘new Facebook Marketplace scam’ – there’s ways to avoid getting caught out
This method has become popular among car thieves, an expert claims
A CAR expert has issued an urgent warning to drivers over a "scam" on Facebook Marketplace.
Harry Automative claimed drivers need to be aware of selling vehicles on the site, because thieves are using it to steal motors.
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The car expert told his viewers what had happened to Nyle Ryatt, who had his £9,000 BMW stolen from his drive.
Nyle, 29, posted details about his BMW 3 series on Facebook Marketplace and found a potential buyer who was "very interested".
The buyer arranged to take a look at the car at his home in Four Oaks, Sutton Coalfield, on March 9 but never showed.
The same buyer then rang to apologise and "pleaded" to see the car the following day, Nyle claimed.
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The next day, when Nyle's brother visited to celebrate Mother's Day, he called to warn him his prized motor was no longer parked on the driveway.
This method has become popular among car thieves, according to the car expert.
He said: "They're using it for cars that have been ordered from abroad - sort of stolen to order and then shipped out of the country."
The car expert admitted it is hard for car sellers to look out for these scams as they most likely receive hundreds of genuine messages from people looking to buy their motors.
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Harry Auto added: "This is something that is quite hard to look out for because you got people coming to you, messaging you who look genuine and wanting a viewing of the car.
"So you're more than happy to give out your address because you think they are going to buy the car."
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The expert advises sellers to stay vigilant and be aware of these scams happening on Facebook Marketplace.
Sellers should ask questions of their buyers and get to know them before giving them their address.
Police launched a probe into Nyle's motor, but he believes the car was stolen to order.
Nyle told : "I had the vehicle for sale on Facebook Marketplace and a potential buyer was very interested. He was supposed to come Saturday but was a no-show.
"He then phoned me, apologised that he had been called to work and pleaded with me to see it on Sunday.
"I reluctantly agreed. Sunday morning I was lying in bed.
"I texted the man to make sure he was coming.
"He replied ‘yes I'll see you in a few hours’."
The car had been fitted with a crooklock but Nyle added that whoever took the car managed to break the lock and drive off.
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A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “We’re investigating after a BMW 3 series was stolen from Bickley Avenue on March 9 to 10."
The Sun has contacted Meta for comment.
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