New Fake Car Sales Scam Alert Issued by Ukrainian Cyber Police

Fraud Scheme Warning

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukrainian citizens are being warned about a rise in online scams involving the sale of vehicles that do not exist. The Cyber Police, together with the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, have issued an alert regarding fraudulent schemes on digital marketplaces. Criminals are using forged documents, demanding upfront payments for nonexistent cars, and deploying phishing links to steal both money and personal information.

According to authorities, scammers advertise vehicles that are never delivered. They send fake registration certificates and other fabricated paperwork to victims. The most common tactic involves requesting a prepayment for a car that does not exist, or selling a vehicle using counterfeit documents.

Police Recommendations

The only secure way to complete an online car purchase agreement is through the Diia portal, where transactions are conducted between real individuals using electronic signatures. After a legitimate sale, the new owner receives a registration certificate that appears in their Driver’s Cabinet and the Diia mobile app.

Law enforcement stresses that information about vehicle arrests, liens, or restrictions is not available in open sources, making it difficult for buyers to verify a listing’s legitimacy. To protect against fraud, the police advise the following:

• Never transfer money to unknown personal bank cards;
• Inspect the vehicle and its documents in person before purchasing;
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links;
• Only use official government services with a gov.ua domain.

Fraudsters often use bait phrases like “car at a low price,” “quick document check,” or “urgent sale” to lure in victims. The police emphasize that

“the final promise is a bluff.”

Citizens are urged to remain highly cautious when buying cars online to avoid losing money and personal data. The Ministry of Internal Affairs service centers also offer expert vehicle inspections, which can help verify a car’s legitimacy.

This situation highlights the need for vigilance in online shopping, especially for high-value transactions such as purchasing a vehicle. As scam techniques grow more sophisticated, it is essential for the public to stay informed about the risks, follow law enforcement guidance, and use only trusted platforms for car purchases.

As online fraud continues to evolve, the authorities have also issued warnings about a surge in scams related to fake traffic fines. These schemes can trick unsuspecting individuals into paying for fines that do not exist. To learn more about how to safeguard yourself from such deceptive practices, read our detailed report on this growing issue.