Short Description
A Kansas City man faces multiple felonies after executing a Facebook Marketplace scam where he sold cars to several buyers, only to steal them back.
Read Time
5 minutes
Main Article
In a shocking case out of Kansas City, Mamadou Diallo has been charged with 14 felony counts related to a sophisticated Facebook Marketplace scam. Prosecutors allege that Diallo sold the same vehicles to multiple buyers, using forged paperwork to make each sale appear legitimate. Victims, often fooled by seemingly valid titles and bills of sale, found themselves out thousands of dollars when their newly purchased cars vanished, often within 24 hours of the purchase. The case, which has gone viral online, serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of peer-to-peer vehicle sales.
The scheme, characterized by a disturbing pattern of sell, steal, and repeat, involved specific cars—namely a 2013 grey Honda Civic and a 2013 brown Buick Verano—reported stolen on multiple occasions. Diallo reportedly met buyers in person, fostering trust before leaving them with empty driveways and no recourse for their losses. In one particularly brazen theft, a vehicle was recovered within just seven hours, captured on home surveillance footage during the early morning hours. Law enforcement has linked several reports to similar listings and questionable paperwork, revealing the extent of Diallo’s fraudulent activities.
Reactions to this scam have been widespread and varied. Many social media users humorously referred to it as an “infinite money glitch,” likening it to the high-stakes tactics often seen in Wall Street trading. However, this case also raises serious concerns regarding the safety of online sales. Unlike transactions at licensed dealerships, peer-to-peer sales heavily rely on trust, making it vital for buyers to exercise caution and perform thorough checks. Experts recommend several strategies for prospective buyers to protect themselves, such as verifying vehicle identification numbers (VIN), meeting in safe environments, and ensuring the seller’s identification matches the title.
Short Summary
The Kansas City Facebook Marketplace scam reveals the serious risks associated with peer-to-peer vehicle sales. Mamadou Diallo’s fraudulent scheme highlights the need for buyers to verify documentation and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to scams.
