Manhattan Man Loses $1,000 in Facebook Marketplace Vehicle Scam

Police investigating reported fraud case involving online vehicle sale

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 21-year-old man in Manhattan, Kansas reported to the Riley County Police Department that he made a $1,000 down payment to a known suspect for a vehicle being sold on Facebook Marketplace, but never received the vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing risks of online marketplaces and the need for caution when making large purchases from strangers. It also underscores the importance of reporting fraud incidents to authorities to aid investigations and potentially recover losses.

The details

According to the police report, the incident occurred around 7:33 p.m. on February 11 in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road. The victim told officers he made the down payment to the suspect but never received the promised vehicle. The total estimated loss is $1,000.

  • The incident was reported to police on February 11, 2026 around 7:33 p.m.

The players

21-year-old man

The victim who reported the $1,000 loss in the Facebook Marketplace vehicle scam.

Known suspect

The individual who allegedly scammed the victim by taking a $1,000 down payment for a vehicle that was never delivered.

Riley County Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the reported fraud case.

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What’s next

The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the suspect and recover the victim's lost funds.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for online shoppers to exercise caution when making large purchases from unfamiliar sellers, and to report any suspected fraud to the proper authorities.