How to Safely Handle Paperwork When Buying a Tesla Model 5 on Facebook Marketplace

Securing Your Tesla Model 5 Purchase: A Buyer's Guide to Paperwork and Safety

Purchasing a high-value item like a Tesla Model 5 through Facebook Marketplace requires diligence, especially concerning the associated paperwork. Scammers often exploit the anonymity and speed of online transactions to their advantage. This guide will help you understand the critical documents needed and identify common fraudulent tactics.

Essential Paperwork for Tesla Model 5 Purchase

• ✓ Vehicle Title (Certificate of Title): This is the most crucial document. Ensure the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the vehicle and that the seller's name on the title matches their identification. The seller must properly sign over the title to you.
• ✓ Bill of Sale: While not always legally required, a Bill of Sale is highly recommended. It should detail the sale price, vehicle information (VIN, make, model), and be signed by both parties.
• ✓ Odometer Disclosure: For vehicles less than 10 years old, an odometer disclosure is typically required. This is often part of the title transfer process.
• ✓ Registration Documents: Understand Tesla's role in handling registration in your state, as this varies. Ensure you receive temporary or permanent registration as applicable.
• ✓ Seller's Identification: Always compare the seller's government-issued ID with the name on the vehicle title.

Common Scams to Watch For

• ✓ The Zelle/Venmo Overpayment Scam: Scammers may send a fraudulent payment confirmation or claim to have overpaid, requesting you send back the difference via Zelle or Venmo before the original payment clears. This is particularly concerning for high-value items like a Tesla Model 5.
• ✓ Fake Pre-Paid Shipping Label: Be cautious if a seller insists on using a specific 'shipping company' they provide, which often involves a fake pre-paid label designed to defraud you of the vehicle and your money.
• ✓ The 'Google Voice' OTP Verification Scam: Scammers may ask you to verify a code sent to a Google Voice number, claiming it's for account security or to prove authenticity. This is a tactic to gain access to your accounts or personal information.
• ✓ Stolen/Ghost Rental Property Scam (Applied to vehicles): While typically associated with rentals, a similar tactic can involve scammers posing as owners of a vehicle they don't legally possess, often with stolen information or titles, leading to ownership disputes.
• ✓ Deposit-First Vehicle Bait: Sellers might request a significant deposit to 'hold' the Tesla Model 5, only to disappear with the money and never provide the vehicle or title.
• ✓ Phishing 'Business Account' Email: Scammers might send fake invoices or payment requests via email, impersonating a legitimate business or financial institution to trick you into revealing sensitive information or sending funds to a fraudulent account.
• ✓ Counterfeit Tech (Applied to vehicles): While this usually refers to electronics, in the context of vehicles, it can relate to tampered VIN numbers or falsified vehicle history reports, making the car appear legitimate when it's not.
• ✓ Fake Receipt/Payment Screenshot: Scammers often provide fabricated screenshots of payments or receipts to create a false sense of security, pressuring you to proceed with the transaction before you realize the payment is not real.

Leveraging Safe Trade Services

For a transaction as significant as purchasing a Tesla Model 5, we strongly recommend utilizing Safe Trade Services for secure ID verification. Given the value of the Tesla Model 5, the Premium Plan is advised to ensure all parties involved are thoroughly vetted, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Always prioritize verifying the seller's identity and the vehicle's documentation. Never hand over payment until you have physically inspected the vehicle and all paperwork is in order. When in doubt, walk away. Your financial security is paramount.