Getting reports of a car sale scam hitting DFW Facebook Marketplace hard right now. Here's the pattern:
How it works:
- Car listed at below-market price (usually $2,000-5,000 under KBB)
- Seller is "motivated" — just moved, getting divorced, deploying, etc.
- Car looks great in photos and even in person
- Title appears clean but is actually a washed title from Oklahoma (flood/salvage history removed)
- They insist on cash only, no financing
- After purchase, you find the car has major hidden issues or can't register it in Texas
Red flags:
- Out-of-state title (especially Oklahoma, which has notoriously weak title laws)
- Won't let you take it to a mechanic
- Won't meet at a police station for the transaction
- Price seems too good to be true
Protect yourself:
- ALWAYS run a VIN check (Carfax or NMVTIS — $25 can save you thousands)
- Meet at a police station with cameras
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic
- Verify the title at your county tax office BEFORE paying
Source: BBB Dallas, Texas DMV title fraud alerts, multiple victim reports on DFW car buy/sell groups
I fell for this last year. Lost $8,000 on a flood car from Louisiana with a washed OK title. Don't be me.
Agree or disagree?
Oklahoma title washing is a massive problem. Texas needs to require VIN verification on all out-of-state transfers.