The Most Common Scams to Avoid When Buying a 2026 BMW M5 on Sears Marketplace

Ghost Inventory Listing: Scammers list vehicles they don't own at suspiciously low prices to lure in buyers. Once a buyer expresses interest, the scammer may create elaborate stories or pressure tactics to extract a deposit or full payment before disappearing.

Fake Tracking ID Upload: In scenarios involving shipping, scammers might provide a fake tracking ID to make the transaction appear legitimate. This is often used after a buyer has already sent payment, with the intention of never delivering the vehicle or providing false proof of shipment.

Off-Platform 'Sears Member' Discount: Be wary of sellers who claim to offer a special 'Sears Member' discount but insist on completing the transaction outside of Sears Marketplace. This is a tactic to bypass platform protections and engage in direct fraudulent payment schemes.

The 'Cancelled Order' Direct Pay: Scammers may claim an order was accidentally placed or cancelled and then request direct payment through an alternative method to avoid platform fees. This allows them to receive funds without fulfilling the order or providing any recourse for the buyer.

Fake Freight Shipping Fee: For vehicles requiring shipping, scammers might present a fabricated shipping cost. They could claim to have already paid a portion or the full amount to a non-existent shipping company and ask the buyer to pay them directly for these 'shipping fees,' often with a promise of reimbursement that never materializes.

Out-of-Stock Bait and Switch: Similar to ghost inventory, a seller might advertise the BMW M5 2026 but then claim it's 'out of stock' upon inquiry, attempting to 'switch' the buyer to a less desirable or non-existent vehicle, often with inflated pricing or altered specifications.

Member Program Phishing: Be cautious of emails or messages that appear to be from Sears Marketplace, asking you to log in or provide personal information related to a 'membership program' to complete a transaction. Always verify the sender's email address and navigate directly to the Sears Marketplace website instead of clicking suspicious links.