Watch Out for This eBay Motors Trick in the UK

There’s a scam going around that’s tripped up countless UK buyers. It’s clever, convincing, and still catching people out in 2025. In this post, we’re breaking down the eBay Motors trick you’ll wish you’d seen coming - and showing you how to spot it before you get stung.

Why eBay Motors Appeals to UK Car Buyers

Let’s face it - the used car market in the UK isn’t exactly cheap these days. With cost-of-living pressure, buyers are turning to sites like eBay Motors hoping to find decent motors at prices that don’t empty their wallets.

What makes eBay appealing?

• A wide range of cars in every price bracket

• Direct contact with sellers

• Auction-style pricing that feels like a deal

• The perception of buyer protection through the platform

But here’s the problem: scammers know that too.

The eBay Motors “Invoice” Scam - How It Works

This is the scam that’s still hitting UK buyers in 2025.

Step 1: A car gets listed somewhere outside of eBay

You’ll often see these listings on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or even dodgy classified sites. The car looks immaculate. The price? A total steal.

The seller will then say something like:

“To keep things safe, we’ll use eBay’s payment and delivery service.”

Sounds good, right? Who wouldn’t want a secure platform to handle payment?

Step 2: The buyer receives a fake eBay Motors invoice

You’ll get an email that looks like it’s from eBay Motors. It’s branded properly, includes a car description, transaction ID and even tracking info. It says eBay is “holding” your money and will release it after the car is delivered.

Sometimes they even throw in fake contact numbers or “support” email addresses.

Step 3: The car never arrives - and neither does your money

That’s because the invoice wasn’t from eBay at all. It was a fake. And once you’ve sent the payment (usually via bank transfer or prepaid gift cards), the scammer disappears.

Key Red Flags to Watch For

These scams are slick - but if you know what to look for, they’re easy to spot.

1. The car isn’t actually listed on eBay

If you’re buying through eBay, the listing should be visible on the site. If the seller sends you screenshots or links to view the “eBay page” that seem off - be suspicious.

Pro tip: Real eBay Motors listings will have a clear item number and “Buy it Now” or bidding option visible on the platform.

2. The payment request doesn’t go through eBay

Scammers will often push for:

• Bank transfers

• Wire transfers like MoneyGram or Western Union

• Prepaid card codes

• “Escrow” services that aren’t legit

Important: eBay never handles car payments directly. They also don’t offer delivery services for vehicles. If the seller says otherwise - that’s a scam.

3. The seller creates urgency

Things like:

“I’m going abroad tomorrow, so I need to sell fast…”

“It’s already packed and ready to be shipped - you just need to pay now…”

They’ll try to rush you into handing over cash before you’ve done any proper checks. Classic scammer behaviour.

Real Example: How “Jake from eBay Motors” Fooled a Buyer

Let’s say you spot a 2017 BMW 1 Series for £3,200 on Facebook Marketplace. The seller, “Jake,” says he’s just been deployed overseas and needs a quick sale. He insists the car is being held by eBay Motors UK and they’ll deliver it to your door.

You get an invoice that looks the part - eBay logos, tracking, the whole lot.

You pay.

But the car never shows. “Jake” ghosts you. eBay confirms there’s no record of the sale. Your bank can’t reverse the transfer. Just like that, you’re £3,200 down.

How to Stay Safe When Using eBay Motors

1. Only buy through official eBay listings

If it’s not listed directly on ebay.co.uk/motors, don’t touch it. No matter how convincing the seller sounds, if the transaction doesn’t happen through the official platform, there’s zero buyer protection.

2. Never pay off-platform

Always use eBay’s secure checkout. If a seller insists on bank transfer or says “it’s more secure this way” - red flag.

3. Check the registration with a vehicle history check

Before you even think about buying, run the number plate through a car history check with TopCarCheck.co.uk.

We’ll instantly show you:

• MOT history

• Write-off status

• Outstanding finance

• Mileage discrepancies

• Number of previous owners

• Whether it’s been stolen or scrapped

That 2-minute check can save you from buying a car that either doesn’t exist - or comes with serious hidden issues.

4. Speak to the seller by phone or video

Scammers prefer messaging or email. Ask to speak on the phone or arrange a video call. If they refuse? Walk away.

5. Use your gut

If the deal feels too good to be true, there’s usually a reason. Don't let a slick story or fancy invoice override your instincts.

How eBay Motors Really Works

Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:

• eBay does not deliver cars

• eBay does not hold your money in escrow

• eBay does not offer buyer protection for cars paid via bank transfer

• eBay will never email you asking for payment outside their site

If a seller says otherwise, they’re not being honest.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

It’s gutting - but if you’ve fallen for this trick, here’s what you should do straight away:

• Contact your bank to try and reverse the payment

• Report to Action Fraud UK to log the incident officially

• Let eBay know so they can take down any spoofed branding or listings

• Share your experience on forums or social to warn others

And for the future - always check the vehicle’s history before making any move.

Why Vehicle History Checks Are a Must in 2025

With more scam tactics out there than ever, car buyers can’t afford to skip checks.

At TopCarCheck, we give you the full lowdown on any UK-registered vehicle - fast.

Check for:

• Insurance write-offs (Cat A, B, S, N)

• MOT and mileage issues

• Ownership history

• Logbook discrepancies

• Finance or leasing ties

• And more…

It’s quick, affordable and gives you peace of mind before you part with cash.

Final Thoughts

eBay Motors is still a great place to buy used cars in the UK - but only when you know how it really works. Scammers are evolving every year, and the “eBay invoice” trick is just one of the many tactics they’re using to fleece unsuspecting buyers.

So whether you’re browsing eBay, Facebook, AutoTrader or anywhere else - don’t skip the basics:

• Always verify listings

• Never send money blindly

• Use TopCarCheck.co.uk to verify the vehicle before buying

It could be the difference between landing a sweet deal… or waving goodbye to your hard-earned cash.