Police warn of rise in online car sale scams

Montgomery Township Police are warning residents to be cautious when buying vehicles online, as law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania report an increase in scams involving stolen cars sold through online marketplaces.

Investigators say criminals are increasingly using platforms such as Facebook Marketplace to sell stolen vehicles, often providing counterfeit titles or falsified paperwork to make the sale appear legitimate. In several recent cases, police noted that recovered vehicles showed little to no obvious signs of tampering or damage, making the fraud harder for buyers to detect.

To help residents protect themselves, police are urging anyone shopping for a vehicle online to take extra precautions:

• Verify the vehicle’s history. Always check the vehicle identification number and obtain a full vehicle history report before purchasing.
• Avoid cash only deals. Use traceable payment methods and meet sellers in safe, public locations.
• Inspect paperwork carefully. Confirm the seller legally owns the vehicle and that all documentation is authentic.

Police say residents should trust their instincts if something feels off about a transaction.

“A quick deal can quickly turn into a costly mistake,” the department advised. “Stay alert and take the time to make sure everything checks out before you buy.”