Alleged Facebook Marketplace Scam Leaves Woman, Couple Defrauded

Police investigating after victims say they were sold the same stolen car on the same day

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car key and ignition fob against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh flash photograph of a car key and fob conceptually illustrates the aftermath of an online sales scam that left victims without their vehicle and money.Atlanta Today

Police in Atlanta are investigating an alleged Facebook Marketplace scam that left a single mother without a car and $5,000, as well as a McDonough couple out $7,000 after they were all sold the same stolen vehicle on the same day by the same person using the name 'Ryan'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks of online peer-to-peer sales platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where buyers and sellers can easily fall victim to fraud without proper verification and safeguards. It also underscores the need for better consumer protections and education around spotting potential scams.

The details

According to the report, Neshia Brown, a single mother, purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata for $5,000 on February 28th through Facebook Marketplace. Days later, she learned the car was reported stolen. Meanwhile, a McDonough couple said they sold the same car to a man named 'Ryan' for $7,000 on the same day, but the check he provided was fraudulent. 'Ryan' then listed the car for sale on Facebook Marketplace and sold it to Neshia for cash.

  • On February 28, Neshia Brown purchased the 2016 Hyundai Sonata for $5,000.
  • Also on February 28, the McDonough couple sold the same car to a man named 'Ryan' for $7,000 with a fraudulent check.

The players

Neshia Brown

A single mother who purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata for $5,000 through Facebook Marketplace, only to later learn the car was reported stolen.

Ryan

The person who allegedly sold the same stolen 2016 Hyundai Sonata to both Neshia Brown and the McDonough couple on the same day, using fraudulent payment methods.

McDonough Couple

A couple who sold the 2016 Hyundai Sonata to 'Ryan' for $7,000 with a fraudulent check on February 28th.

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What they’re saying

“It's terrible. It's like a nightmare.”

— Neshia Brown

“It wasn't even a cashier's check. It was a personal check. I went to the bank to collect. We're just lucky they didn't put me in jail for carrying a fake check.”

— McDonough Couple

“It's just so sad that everybody's trying to make it and do better for their life and people just take advantage. It's not telling how many people they've done like this. They don't care.”

— Neshia Brown

What’s next

Police are continuing their investigation to identify and locate the person known as 'Ryan' who allegedly scammed both Neshia Brown and the McDonough couple.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater consumer awareness and protection when using online peer-to-peer sales platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where buyers and sellers can easily fall victim to fraud without proper verification and safeguards in place.