How do I report a car or vehicle scam?
Report to the FTC, your state attorney general, and the platform where the vehicle was listed. Report VIN fraud or clocking to the DVLA (UK) or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (US).
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Vehicle scams include fake car listings, VIN cloning, odometer fraud (clocking), title washing, and vehicles sold with outstanding finance the buyer is unaware of. The appropriate reporting channel depends on the specific type of fraud.
For fake online listings — where you paid a deposit or full purchase price for a vehicle that does not exist or was never owned by the seller — report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the platform (eBay Motors, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, etc.) via their fraud reporting system. Initiate a chargeback with your card issuer if you paid by card.
For odometer fraud or VIN cloning on a vehicle you purchased in person, report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at nhtsa.gov in the US, or to the DVLA and Trading Standards in the UK. These agencies have enforcement authority over vehicle history fraud. The FBI IC3 handles organised VIN cloning rings.
In the UK, check the car's history using the DVLA vehicle enquiry service and a commercial provider like HPI before buying. If you discover outstanding finance on a vehicle you purchased in good faith, report to the FCA and seek legal advice, as you may have rights to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act.
Common red flags
- The listed price was far below market value for the vehicle's age and condition
- The seller was abroad and used an escrow service not verifiable through official channels
- The vehicle had more service stamps than expected for its stated age
- The VIN plate was loose, missing, or showed signs of tampering
- The seller could not provide the V5C logbook or title within a reasonable time
- Warning lights appeared shortly after purchase despite a clean history report
What to do now
- Report to the FTC and the listing platform
- In the UK, report to Trading Standards and the DVLA
- Initiate a chargeback if you paid by card
- Report to NHTSA (US) or DVLA (UK) for VIN or odometer fraud
- Seek legal advice if you unknowingly bought a vehicle with outstanding finance
- Read /scams/auto-vehicle-scams for common fraud patterns
Frequently asked questions
What is VIN cloning and is it common?
VIN cloning is the practice of copying a legitimate vehicle identification number onto a stolen or written-off vehicle to disguise its history. It is more common for high-value vehicles. Always verify the VIN on the vehicle matches the title and log book, and do a history check before buying.
I bought a car that turned out to be on finance — what are my rights?
In the UK, if you are a private purchaser in good faith with no notice of the finance, you may have a defence under the Consumer Credit Act. In the US, laws vary by state. Consult a solicitor or attorney and report the situation to Trading Standards or your state AG.