45 Fake Car Ads from Craigslist

Perhaps the worst thing about buying a car using Craigslist is sorting through all of the fake ads. Thieves post ads for non-existant cars to trick would-be buyers into a phony "Ebay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program" transaction. It took me a few days to develop a sense of what was real and what was fake. This is a cheat sheet. Before buying, look over this list to spot what kind of photos and language the theives use to snag victims.

The following cars were all fake posts.

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #1:

toyota tacoma Automatic - $4800
-----------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-24, 9:43AM PDT

christopher.marasky@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #2:

Volvo xc90 - $4,800

bill.bequette@gmail.com

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #3:

LEXUS RX 330 04 - $4400 (Sacramento)
------------------------------
Reply to: sale-gfnaa-1089817747@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-24, 9:55AM PDT

No leaks, no smoke, does not burn oil. All manuals, paperwork, records will go with it.seats Center Console Compass HID head lights Automatic Transmission Cruise Control Heated Seats Dual Air Conditioning Sunroof and many other extras
There is no damage, scratches or dents on this suv.
Engine is very powerfull and and has no problem, runs like a rabbit.
Features : Non Smoker, Luxury Features: Air Conditioning, Climate Control System, Dual Zone Electronic Climate Control System Telescoping Steering Wheel, Homelink System, Steering Wheel Radio Controls

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #4:

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid Low miles - $4800
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Reply to: sale-c3ays-1089841870@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-24, 10:08AM PDT

The Michelin tires have very good tread all the way around.

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #5:

L@@k!! 2005 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LOADED! - $3827 (Sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-yc5u2-1089836124@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-24, 10:05AM PDT

2005 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY CRUISE Transmission: 4 Spd Automatic Engine: 3.3L V6 SFI OHV Gasoline Exterior Color: Blue Interior Color: Gray
THIS 2005 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY HAS THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS, ,POWER MIRRORS, POWER WINDOWS. ,Power gate Power driver's and passanger's seat.Driver/front passenger-side illuminated visor vanity mirrors Passenger assist handles ,Driver & front passenger Next Generation multi-stage airbags,Tire pressure monitoring display ,d7},Good Panels / Headliner Good Exterior

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #6:

GREAT SHAPE 2007 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA - $7999 (Sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-24, 11:21AM PDT

2007 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA
Power Steering Power Door Locks Cruise Control AM/FM Radio
Body type: SUVIt has been well cared for and properly maintained with only 24156 miles.Air Conditioning
No chips in the glass. Tires have 90%. CD
Interior color: TanThis Red Rock Crystal Pearl Jeep was purchased new.Tow package has been installed.
For more info and photos please e-mail me at : justinfrakaas@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #7:

fully loaded cadillac escalade awd-dvd,navi,bose - $4750
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Reply to: sale-hqp99-1089978857@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-24, 11:20AM PDT

Power Mirrors;
Power Windows;

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #8:

toyota sienna xle-navi,dvd,7 passenger seating,backup monitor - $4650

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #9:

Dodge Grand Caravan 2005 NAVIGATION-DVD Low Mileage! Realy good condition - $2491 (Sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-24, 11:52AM PDT

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT is finished in Black color with tan leather interior. One owner vehicle. The exterior and interior are in very good condition. The vehicle is equipped with Navigation System, Rear DVD Entertainment System. It also has stow 'n' go package. We perform an inspection in our facility, which is followed by our maintenance service: Complete Brake Service, New Oil & Filter. The car is in good condition mechanically. It has no noticeable problems. The car was maintained well during the prior possession. The car has a clean title. The car doesn't need anything, except a NEW OWNER. Very, clean in & out...no slobber on the seats...no sodas spilled on the floors...no pets...no odors...no smoking...no kidding...the outside is very shiny & clean & shows nice...body is straight...good brakes all around...tune-up is fine...good tread rubber all around.
The mileage represented on this vehicle is accurate. Interior in very good condition. All electrical and optional equipment on this vehicle have been checked and are in perfect working condition. Pretty economical, it would surprise everybody.
Please mail me if you want this car at : Andrew@aloemail.com
Please email us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #10:

Cadillac runs great 48,000 - $3,700

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #11:

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 320 $4350
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:36AM PDT

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 320 $4350

Mileage: 51,000
Engine: 6 Cylinders
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: Black
Interior Color :Black
FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT ME AT:normanpoligate@yahoo.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #12:

^^^2006^^^BMW^^^530i^^^ - $5000
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:46AM PDT

ElM9AuIoL M.E F=OmR M4OoR+E DeE:T'AcI6LnS AeB;OtU1T T4HxE C7A2R !"!n!

A4LzS0O MeO-R0E P6I-C5TbU4RdEeS A3VlA:I3LtAxBeLwE !

CeLtE;AwR UdS T0IfT8L=E !7!h!

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #13:

CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 04 - $4400 (Sacramento)

-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-e95y7-1091312515@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:46AM PDT

Exterior like new, in excellent condition with no dents or dings at all. Leather interior, supple, looks excellent with no wear at all. It's an beautiful truck!An

perfect truck for family and bussines. Don`t miss this change to own this beautiful.
Tires has been changed 3 mounth ago, filter , oil and brake.
No leaks, no smoke, does not burn oil. All manuals, paperwork, records will go with it.
This truck is working great, has no leaks.

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #14:

---2007--- Toyota---Camry---Hybrid--- - $5000
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:46AM PDT

E2M~AfIzL M\E FrOiR M/O;RzE D1E=T+AxI5L-S AuBoOhUjT T=H6E CgAgR !2!,!
A+LvSyO MoOpRvE PeIkC"TcU6RwEsS A:V~A=I-L=A3B9L6E !
CaLfEgApR U6S T9InThLnE !7!v!

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #15:

!!@@2007 Acura TL Automatic@@!! - $5000
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:42AM PDT
E/M'AzI/L M'E F'O+R McOaRwE D0E;T,A-I\L5S AkBtOoUaT T/H~E CeAxR !w!u!
A,L.SdO M2O2R\E P+IbC7TkUgR8EsS AhVpA4I9LpA=BdL6E !
ClLoEeA3R U,S T+IqTyL7E !-!n!

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #16:

******2007 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID CVT Air Conditioning Power Windows** - $5000
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:39AM PDT

E=MdAwI'L MfE FgO8R M;OkRlE P2IxC6TtU6R9EcS AmNuD D8EiTmAkI=LlS AzBaO0UnT T/HeE C2AfR !b!x!
T"HrI1S IyS TcH8E B8UrY I:T N\O4W P-ReInCqE !q!'!
MsO.V6I.NrG SjA'L'E !r!.! CzL8E7A:R T5I7T5L+El, N8O L/IaEcN !h!1!

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #17:

2007 SUV acura mdx - $4750
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:34AM PDT
http://home.comcast.net/~jcklmburk/xxx/Acura.html

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #18:

2006 Ford Explorer 3RD Row - $4150
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:29AM PDT
ALLOY WHEELS, C.D. PLAYER
rchrdw53@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #19:

For Sale-2002 BMW 3-Series - $4600
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-ehrf2-1091282407@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:30AM PDT
The engine and transmission run great,low miles 32,285 and clear title. Please ask all the questions you may have. More pictures are available

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #20

Infiniti G35 - $4100 (sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-z59fv-1091285565@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:31AM PDT
I have a 2004 Infiniti G35 sedan, its white with tan leather, sunroof, heated seats, power seats, memory seats and bose sound system. Very nice car, I have maintained the vehicle with all of the normal check ups and I use medium grade gasoline. Mileage: 65,000 miles Features Body type: SedanEngine: 6 Cylinder Exterior color: White Transmission: Automatic Fuel type: Gasoline Interior color: Tan Options Sunroof Leather seats Cassette player CD player Safety features Anti-lock brakes Driver airbag Passenger airbag Side airbags Power Options Air conditioning Cruise control Power locks

Power windows Power seats

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #21

2006 Nissan Maxima SL - $2900
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 8:30AM PDT
http://free.hostultra.com/~caiac/2006%20Nissan%20Maxima%20SL.html
srh.garc12@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #22

One Owner 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Z71 48K Miles 4X4 - $4200 (SAC)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-zh8ah-1091561348@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 10:59AM PDT

ABSOLUTELY LOADED AND BEAUTIFUL. I only use synthetic oil. VERY NICE RIDE.
Recently replaced the whole a/c system (blows colddddd), replaced the brakes and belts too.
Tires have at least 85% tread life on them.
For more information please e-mail me at : aaronkleinerman@golfchannelclub.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #23

fully equipped lincoln navigator awd - $4890 (sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 11:10AM PDT
david.folger@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #24

2003 Ford Excursion Limited 4x4 - $4100
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 11:09AM PDT
Willbenneth@gmail.com
Power Door Locks
Power Drivers Seat
Power Mirrors
Power Passenger Seat
Power Steering
Power Windows

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #25

honda pilot 4x4 ex-l navigation system - $4990
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 10:47AM PDT
All options and gauges are completely functional.
martin.s.hemmingsen@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #26

05 Lincoln 4x4 88k miles - $4300 (Sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-ddxbs-1091538455@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 10:47AM PDT
4 DR. WAGON/SPORT UTILITY 5.4L V8 MPI SOHC 24V
Anti-lock brakes Driver airbag Passenger airbag Side airbags
wired, The truck has a K&N filter installed to improve performance and improve fuel efficiency. Also as you can see in a few of the pictures, I had

custom billet front main and bumper grills installed as well as smoked LED tail lights.
All receipts for after market parts are included.

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #27

lexus rx 330,leather,4x4 - $4830
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 11:23AM PDT
The rest of the interior looks great and the car smells fresh and clean.
The head liner has no stains or any rips or tares.The dashboard is fine and has no sun damage or fading.
Tires and brakes are excellent.It has just been inspected..all is fine.
New tires, new brakes, new clutch, all scheduled maintenance done on-time.
Up for auction is a beautiful, reliable, pampered and economical sportscar.
It looks so good, I get compliments on it everywhere i go.
This car is running strong, the transmission shifts perfect and there's not a drip on anything underneath.
Adult driven.Masterly maintained.Maintenance records available.
ALL POWER EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THE POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, POWER MIRRORS AND THE POWER SLIDING WORK CORRECTLY.
It's all highway miles and these cars have a reputation of running forever.
A/C: Front, A/C: Rear, Cruise Control, Navigation System,
Interior, Memory Seats, Power Seats, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger
Christoper.yones@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #28

2004 Ford F150 - $4420

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #29

 

Nissan Altima 04 - $4300

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #30

 

2007 Infinity G35 - $5000

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #31

toyota sienna xle-navi,dvd,7 passenger seating,backup monitor - $4650

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Reply to: sale-df3pf-1091834143@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 1:33PM PDT

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #32

lexus rx 330,leather,nav - $4830
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 12:58PM PDT

It looks so good, I get compliments on it everywhere i go.
This car is running strong, the transmission shifts perfect and there's not a drip on anything underneath.
The head liner has no stains or any rips or tares.The dashboard is fine and has no sun damage or fading.
New tires, new brakes, new clutch, all scheduled maintenance done on-time.
This car is running strong, the transmission shifts perfect and there's not a drip on anything underneath.
Tires and brakes are excellent.It has just been inspected..all is fine.
New tires, new brakes, new clutch, all scheduled maintenance done on-time.
The head liner has no stains or any rips or tares.The dashboard is fine and has no sun damage or fading.
This car is running strong, the transmission shifts perfect and there's not a drip on anything underneath.
Adult driven.Masterly maintained.Maintenance records available.
It has just been inspected..all is fine. The condition of the body is Excellent. Nonsmoking owner /driver.
Interior, Memory Seats, Power Seats, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #33

 

mitsubishi 3000GT 4wd - $4200
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 12:31PM PDT
The car is a trully wonderfull state of the art machine.
masuxmer@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #34

toyota highlander hybrid awd-3rd row seats, leather - $4700
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Reply to: sale-skpfm-1091719728@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 12:26PM PDT
ALL POWER EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THE POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS
rbbstt76@gmail.com

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #35

audi a6 leather seats - $4890
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 3:39PM PDT
atdarrin.dronoff@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #36

Lexus 04 RX330 - $4000

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Reply to: sale-jxb2v-1091988110@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 3:09PM PDT
EyMrAiI:L M4E F5O;R MzOzRoE PrIpCzTaUlRgE.S AbN\D D+E/TzAiI;LaS A:BdO5U1T T~HgE C:AeR !t!/!
T9HoIgS IsS TlHqE B.UeY IhT NxOaW PkRsI'C,E !c!a!
MhOfVyI"N4G SuA/L1E !n!x! C4LvEpA;R T;I"TxL7E\, N;O L3InEpN !~!+!
browns@browhotaill.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #37

###2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71### - $4900 (Sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-kpe36-1091894554@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 2:09PM PDT

ITS EXTERIOR IS SCRATCH FREE AND 100% NO ACCIDENTS, WITH ITS BRIGHT WHEELS WRAPPED WITH NEW GOODYEAR TIRES THIS

ONE STANDS OUT....
The interior is also Very nice and Clean
The rest of the interior looks great and the car smells fresh and clean. The head liner has no stains or any rips or tares
Buy a car that makes you feel good and safe when you drive.
This car is running strong, the transmission shifts perfect and there's not a drip on anything underneath.

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #38

honda odyssey Navigation System - $4400
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 10:25AM PDT
The rest of the interior looks great and the car smells fresh and clean.
davis.bennie@gmail.com

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #39

My 2005 lincoln Navigator has every option you could ever want - $4320 (Sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-twa94-1092921481@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-26, 8:56AM PDT

Transmission: Automatic Fuel type: Gasoline 4x4
Power windows Air conditioning
The vehicle has a clean car fax report and has never been in an accident!
Please only contact me if your serious about buying an incredible vehicle for an amazing price!

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #40

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 320 $4350

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #41

mitsubishi 3000GT cruise control awd - $4200
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-26, 7:43AM PDT
Warranty covers basically everything except wear and tear items like brakes, tires, and clutch (all of those are in great shape or new though).
joel.molloseau@gmail.com

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #42

 

audi a6 cruise control - $4890

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #43

honda odyssey Cruise Control - $4400
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2009-03-25, 5:16PM PDT

It has just been inspected..all is fine. The condition of the body is
Excellent. Nonsmoking owner /driver.
ryan.wson@gmail.com

 

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #44

2006 Ford F-350 KING RANCH Keyless - $4900 (SACRAMENTO)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-vgbrb-1095006790@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-27, 1:07PM PDT
The tires were recently replaces, the car drives great, and always very comfortable and smoot
The head liner has no stains or any rips or tares.NO PAINT WORK, NO ACCIDENTS, NO HISTORY, JUST AN EXTRA CLEAN
The car is a truly wonderful state of the art machine. The engine is in perfection condition , you can see it in the pictures !
This car won't ever let you down.contact me for more info.
Spray On Bed Liner
4 Matching LT245/75R17 BF-Goodrich Tires Are In Excellent Condition

Fake Craigslist Car Ad #45

Range Rover 2003 black - $5300 (Sacramento)
-------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-gbmbx-1092518214@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-25, 11:04PM PDT
This vehicle is the one. Black exteroir that is perfect, no scratches dings dents or any imperfections. even the bumpers are absolutely perfect. the wheels are perfect, no curb rash etc. they look brand new. interoir is perfect as well. Special edition Oxford edition with larger seats and tan with black piping. Monitors in headsets. full rubber mats from land rover. immaculate, driven by executive and back seat never sat in. big advantage with this vehicle, i bought the vehicle with a 5year 100k transferable warranty.

As you can see, most of the prices are in the $4,000-$5,000 range on what would be $12,000-$20,000+ cars. The cars are always flawless. Thieves don't leave their phone numbers, only email addresses.

You may be curious about how this scam works. Read the whole story: Investigating the Process of a Craigslist / eBay / MoneyGram Vehicle Scam

Hear the story of someone who got scammed: The $3,600 Honda Accord - People fall for it.

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