Kansas City Man Faces 98 Years in Prison for Elaborate Facebook Marketplace Car Scam
A Kansas City resident is confronting severe legal consequences after being accused of orchestrating a sophisticated Facebook Marketplace scam involving vehicles that were sold to multiple buyers and then stolen back within a single day. Prosecutors allege that Mamadou Diallo utilized counterfeit documentation to make the transactions appear legitimate, duping victims into handing over thousands of dollars before the cars vanished from their driveways.
The Scam Pattern: Sell, Disappear, and Repeat
According to police reports, the seller listed cars for sale on Facebook Marketplace and arranged in-person meetings to finalize the deals. Buyers were convinced they were purchasing legally owned vehicles after receiving documents that seemed to include valid titles and bills of sale. However, within hours—often less than 24 hours—the vehicles were reported stolen, leaving the new owners without both the car and their money.
Investigators noted that this pattern repeated across at least eight separate sales. The vehicles involved were typically a 2013 grey Honda Civic or a 2013 brown Buick Verano, with the same car frequently reappearing in subsequent listings. In one particularly brazen instance, a vehicle was taken back in just seven hours, with the theft captured on a home CCTV system during the early morning hours.
Legal Charges and Potential Sentence
Diallo now faces 14 felony counts, including first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and forgery. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to up to 98 years in prison, highlighting the seriousness with which prosecutors are treating these allegations of repeated fraud and vehicle theft.
Timeline of the Incidents
Police records link the scam incidents to May and June 2025, when Kansas City Police received multiple stolen vehicle reports connected to Facebook Marketplace purchases. Investigators later connected the cases based on similarities in the listings, vehicles, and paperwork. The formal charges were announced in January 2026, bringing the scheme to public attention.
Viral Online Reactions and Public Concern
The story gained widespread attention after being shared on social media platform X, amassing millions of views. Many users humorously referred to the scheme as an "infinite money glitch" and drew comparisons to Wall Street tactics, while others debated whether the potential prison sentence is excessively harsh for a non-violent crime.
This case has reignited concerns about the risks associated with peer-to-peer online sales, particularly when large sums of money are involved. Unlike purchases from dealerships, private sales heavily depend on trust and documentation, and forged papers can be challenging to detect immediately.
How to Protect Yourself from Vehicle Scams on Online Marketplaces
Experts frequently advise buyers to take extra precautions when purchasing vehicles through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Key recommendations include:
- Independently verifying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration details
- Meeting at a police station or designated safe exchange zone
- Ensuring the seller's identification matches the title information
- Avoiding rushed deals that pressure quick payments
- Confirming ownership through official channels before completing the transaction
This case serves as a stark reminder of how swiftly an online deal can transform into a costly mistake, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in digital marketplaces.
