LUBBOCK, Texas — Buying or selling a car online may seem convenient, but the South Plains Auto Theft Task Force says it’s also become a popular way for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting users, especially on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
In 2024 alone, more than 1,300 vehicles were reported stolen in Lubbock County, amounting to nearly $10 million in losses, according to the task force. Many of those cases, investigators say, stem from deals gone wrong on social media.
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“If you make a purchase of a vehicle online, there’s always going to be a risk,” said Michael Benson with the South Plains Auto Theft Task Force.
While some users turn to sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to cut out the middleman, Benson warns the convenience comes with major risk especially if you’re not buying from a reputable dealer or verified online retailer like Carvana…