Brazil sees surge in used‑car transaction scams, experts warn

Brazil's used‑car market recorded more than 15 million vehicle transfers in 2024, the highest volume in recent years. In the first half of 2025, fraud related to private‑party car sales rose sharply, with 174 000 incidents reported – a 314 % increase from the same period a year earlier, according to Febraban.

Scammers commonly post fake advertisements, pose as intermediaries, or supply falsified payment confirmations to lure buyers and sellers. Alan Ladeia, automotive specialist and CEO of Carflix, recommends several safeguards: verify documentation and payment receipts, compare prices against market averages, avoid rushed or solely online negotiations, meet in public places during daylight, and use reputable platforms that provide data checks and vehicle‑history reports.

Even with these precautions, fraud risk remains, highlighting the need for greater consumer vigilance and the growing role of specialized intermediaries in Brazil’s expanding second‑hand vehicle market.