Missouri Man Sells Same Car to 8 Buyers on Facebook, Then Steals It Back Every Time

Missouri man sells a car to eight people on Facebook, then steals it back within 24 hours every time

In the digital age, buying a car has never been easier—or more dangerous. A recent case out of Kansas City, Missouri, has sent shockwaves through online marketplaces, exposing a terrifyingly simple yet effective Facebook Marketplace scam that left eight victims thousands of dollars poorer.

The alleged mastermind? 24-year-old Mamadou Diallo. His method was as audacious as it was cruel: sell a car, take the cash, and then simply steal the vehicle back, often before the new owner had even made it home. This wasn’t a one-off crime; it was a calculated, repeated scheme that played out over several weeks in May and June 2025 .

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The Diallo Scam Exposed: How It Worked

Diallo’s operation was built on a foundation of forged documents and misplaced trust. He would list a vehicle—often using photos of a real car—on Facebook Marketplace at a price that seemed just plausible enough to be a genuine deal . Interested buyers, eager to secure a good price, would meet him in person.

During these meetings, Diallo presented paperwork that looked legitimate, convincing his victims to hand over thousands of dollars in cash. In one reported instance, he sold a 2013 brown Buick Verano to a buyer after what seemed like a standard transaction . The total losses for his eight known victims are estimated at $24,000 .

But here’s the chilling part: within 24 hours of the sale, Diallo would return to the buyer’s location and simply take the car back. Because he was the original registered owner (or so his forged paperwork claimed), he could often bypass any suspicion from neighbors or even law enforcement in the moment. He repeated this exact process at least eight times .

Diallo now faces a mountain of legal trouble. Prosecutors have charged him with 14 felony counts, a combination of charges that likely includes theft, forgery, and fraud . If convicted on all counts, he could be looking at a potential prison sentence of up to 98 years .

Missouri law takes these crimes very seriously. Stealing a motor vehicle is classified as a class D felony, which carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 . Furthermore, forging a vehicle title is a separate and equally severe offense under Missouri’s Revised Statutes, which cover a wide range of theft and fraud-related crimes .

Facebook Marketplace and the Rise of Auto Fraud

This case is not an isolated incident. It’s a stark example of a growing trend of online marketplace fraud. Facebook Marketplace, while a convenient tool for local sales, has become a prime hunting ground for scammers because it relies heavily on user trust and peer-to-peer transactions without a formal verification system .

Common tactics used by fraudsters include creating fake listings with stolen photos, using fake names, and pressuring buyers into quick, cash-only deals [[7], [12]]. The platform itself has no buyer protection for vehicles, leaving users incredibly vulnerable if something goes wrong .

For anyone considering a major purchase like a car on such a platform, it’s crucial to understand that the convenience comes with significant risk. Always verify the seller’s identity and the vehicle’s history independently.

How to Spot and Avoid a Facebook Car Scam

Protecting yourself from a Facebook Marketplace scam requires vigilance and a healthy dose of skepticism. Here are some critical red flags and safety steps:

  • The Price is Too Good to Be True: If a car is priced significantly below its market value, it’s almost certainly a scam .
  • Pressure to Pay in Cash or Use a Wire Transfer: Legitimate sellers will be open to secure payment methods and won’t rush you.
  • Vague or Evasive Answers: If the seller won’t provide a VIN for a history check or refuses to let you have a mechanic inspect the car, walk away.
  • Verify the Title in Person: Go with the seller to your local Department of Revenue office to complete the title transfer on the spot. This is the single best way to ensure the paperwork is legitimate .
  • Never Complete the Sale Without a Bill of Sale: A proper bill of sale protects both parties and is a legal requirement in most states.

For more on safe online purchasing practices, check out our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:online-shopping-safety-tips].

Conclusion: Staying Safe in the Digital Marketplace

The story of Mamadou Diallo is a powerful reminder that not every online deal is what it seems. His alleged Facebook Marketplace scam exploited the trust and convenience that make these platforms so popular. While authorities work to bring him to justice, the onus is on consumers to be their own first line of defense. By knowing the warning signs and following secure transaction practices, you can navigate the digital marketplace safely and avoid becoming the next victim of this increasingly common form of fraud.

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