Buying a car online in Ireland, whether on DoneDeal, Carzone, Facebook Marketplace, or elsewhere, is super convenient… but scammers know that too. Scams targeting Irish car buyers are getting clever, and someone could lose thousands of euros before they even know what hit them.
At LM Operations, we want you to go into every deal with your eyes open. Here’s how to spot the common car buying scams in Ireland and protect yourself.
Common Car Buying Scams In Ireland
How To Guard Against Scams In Ireland
Extra Watch-outs: Social Media & Foreign Sellers
🚩 Common Car Buying Scams In Ireland
- Stolen or cloned vehicles
Scammers clone legitimate cars, copying the VRC or VIN, then sell them again. Cartell warns that €10,000–€20,000 losses happen often in Ireland - Fake bank drafts
Thieves offer a bogus draft (often late Friday), take the car, then it bounces; sometimes leaving the buyer out a lot of money and possibly the car tagged as stolen - Outstanding finance (asset fraud)
The car you buy might still have a loan tied to it. Finance companies can repossess it, even if you purchased the car - Deposit scams
Sellers lure you with ridiculously low prices, ask for a deposit to “hold” the car, then vanish - Clocking (mileage rollback)
Dial-backing the odometer to make a car appear younger has been illegal in Ireland since 2014, yet it still happens. - “Cut ’n’ shut” cars
Weld two wrecks into one car, seriously dangerous, and illegally stamped with a proper identity. - Foreign seller hoaxes
Posing as sellers from the continent with cheap, supposedly UK-origin cars, often never delivered. - Vehicle-matching scam
You pay a fee for introductions to buyers, but no one ever appears.
🛡️ How to Safeguard Against These Scams In Ireland
✅ Check VIN & VRC with Cartell or MotorCheck
Verify VIN is legitimate and matches the seller’s documents
✅ Meet at the seller’s address, not a parking lot
Gardaí advise that sellers’ homes are safest, so you can confirm the address matches VRC.
✅ Inspect the car thoroughly
Bring along a mechanic or expert friend. Ask smart questions: Has it been clocked? Written off? Under finance? [CCPC says these checks are essential].
✅ Avoid unrealistic bargains
If the price is way below market value, ask why. Scams rely on bargains too good to ignore.
✅ Don’t pay deposits early
Never send money before seeing the car and verifying documents. If they push for a deposit, walk away.
✅ Check for outstanding finance
Use Cartell or MotorCheck to ensure the car is clear of loans and debts.
✅ Validate bank drafts in-branch
If someone offers a draft, bring it to the issuing bank to make sure it’s valid.
✅ Buy from verified dealers
Buy from verified members of the Carzone/DoneDeal dealer accreditation schemes. These sellers are vetted
💬 Real Irish Buyer Tip
On r/Dublin, one user shared a common scam checklist:
“If it looks too good to be true it is. When looking for a car use DoneDeal.ie or Carzone. Set a lower limit when searching…”
🔍 Extra Watch-outs: Social Media & Foreign Sellers
- Don’t fall for social media listings with only stock photos
- Avoid sellers claiming they need deposits for shipping from Europe
- Never click unverified payment links, these could steal your information
🛠️ What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop contact with the seller immediately
- Report it to An Garda Síochána and Action Fraud Ireland
- Contact your bank — see if they can freeze/recover funds
- Collect everything: texts, ads, bank slips
- Flag the scam to the platform (DoneDeal, Carzone, Facebook)
✅ Final Thoughts: Be Cool, Cautious, Confident
Buying a car in Ireland doesn’t have to be risky; just follow these safeguards, and you’ll side-step most scams.
Ready to buy your next car with confidence?
Apply for finance with LM Operations today. We work exclusively with trusted, vetted dealers across Ireland, so you can skip the scams and shop safely. Fast decisions, real support, and no surprises.
👉 Start your application now
Need guidance on car finance or fraud-safe purchases?
Call us or drop by. We’re more than finance experts; we’re your partner in safe car buying.
FAQs
What are the most common car scams in Ireland?
Common car scams in Ireland include cloned vehicles, fake bank drafts, outstanding finance fraud, deposit scams, mileage clocking, and “cut and shut” cars. Scams involving foreign sellers and fake listings on social media are also on the rise.
How can I check if a car is stolen or cloned in Ireland?
Always verify the VIN and Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) with a trusted provider like Cartell.ie or MotorCheck.ie. Check that the VIN on the car matches the documents and hasn’t been tampered with.
What is a fake bank draft scam when buying a car?
A scammer may offer a bank draft that appears genuine but turns out to be fake or bounces after the sale. Always validate the draft in-branch before handing over the car or accepting it as payment.
Can a car with outstanding finance be repossessed after I buy it?
Yes. If the car has outstanding finance, the finance company legally owns it and can repossess it. Use Cartell or MotorCheck to confirm the car is clear of finance before purchasing.
What should I do if I'm asked to pay a deposit before viewing the car?
Never pay a deposit before physically inspecting the car and verifying all documents. Scammers often use low prices to pressure buyers into sending money quickly, then disappear.
Is it safe to buy a car on DoneDeal or Facebook Marketplace?
These platforms can have genuine sellers, but also attract scammers. Always meet at the seller’s home address (not a car park), bring someone with you, and verify all details before paying.
How do I avoid buying a clocked car in Ireland?
Mileage clocking is illegal but still happens. Use Cartell or MotorCheck to view the car’s mileage history and check its NCT records. If the mileage seems unusually low, be cautious.
What is a 'cut and shut' car?
A cut and shut car is made by welding two or more damaged cars together. These vehicles are dangerous and illegal to sell. Signs include mismatched paint, uneven panels, or unclear VINs. Have a mechanic inspect any used car before buying.
What should I do if I've been scammed buying a car in Ireland?
Stop contact with the seller, report the scam to An Garda Síochána and Action Fraud Ireland, contact your bank to attempt to recover funds, gather all communications and evidence, and report the listing to the platform (DoneDeal, Carzone, etc.).
Does car finance offer protection against scams?
Yes. When you buy through a regulated car finance provider like LM Operations, we work only with vetted dealers and vehicles. This adds an extra layer of security and reduces your risk of fraud.