Top Used Car Scams UAE Buyers Must Avoid on WhatsApp & Telegram

Top Used Car Scams on WhatsApp & Telegram UAE Buyers Must Avoid

If you're in the UAE and scrolling through WhatsApp or Telegram groups hunting for your next ride, you're definitely not alone. These platforms are packed with listings, voice notes, forwarded pics, and “bro special deal for you” messages every minute.

But alongside legit sellers? There are sharks out there — and they’re getting smarter.

So before you tap that “Send Location” button, here are the sketchiest scams doing the rounds in the UAE right now and how to dodge them like a pro.

1. “Too Good to Be True Price” Trap

When someone lists a 2022 Nissan Patrol for AED 85,000… brother, run.

The scammer plays the “urgent sale, personal emergency, leaving the country” card. They’ll push for a deposit to “reserve the car,” then vanish faster than your gym motivation after day two.

Red flags:

• Suspiciously low price
• Fake urgency
• Asking for advance payment

Rule: If the price feels like a dream, it's usually a nightmare.

2. “Car is Abroad / In Customs” Scam

You’ll hear stories like:

“Car is in Abu Dhabi customs, we ship from KSA… pay fee first then we deliver.”

Lol no.

This scam has been around forever, just upgraded to Telegram voice notes with dramatic backstory vibes.

Tip: Never pay clearance fees for a car you haven't seen or verified physically.

3. Fake Agents & Middlemen

Someone messages claiming they’re selling on behalf of a friend / dealer / cousin in the army who can’t meet you. They’ll send fancy car pics, RTA test reports (fake), and even a “location” — but somehow they always need payment first.

UAE has plenty of legitimate platforms and brokers. Random guy named CarMaster009 on Telegram ain’t one of them.

4. Fake RTA or Insurance Papers

Fraudsters now send PDF contracts, RTA inspection reports, and even registration copies edited on mobile apps. They look real at first glance — until you try to verify.

What to do:
Always check documents on official RTA channels or verified dealer systems
Ask for Chassis number and verify history

If they hesitate? Block.

5. Deposit Scam for “Viewing Slot”

“Pay AED 500 to reserve inspection, refundable on arrival.”

Nope.
If someone needs cash before you even see the car, they don’t have a car to show you.

6. Photos Stolen from Real Listings

Scammers screenshot ads from legit car websites, then repost on groups with lower prices.

Clue:
Ask for a real-time video — plate visible, today’s date, and a voice note.
If they refuse? Red flag.

UAE Digital Security Council advice on social scams:

How to Stay Safe When Car Shopping on WhatsApp & Telegram

• Meet sellers in public or at RTA/inspection centers
• Never transfer deposits without physically seeing the car
• Verify chassis, mileage, and service history
• Use escrow services or pay on RTA transfer only
• Stick to trusted marketplaces when possible

Buying smart saves money… and headaches.

Final Thought

Car scammers aren’t dangerous because they're smart — they're dangerous because they know buyers get excited. Keep your hype level in check. No car deal is worth losing your hard-earned dirhams.

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

Explore More:

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