If you’ve ever sold a car privately, you know the mix of excitement and paranoia that comes with it. You’re thinking about the cash, the handoff, maybe even your next ride. But you’re probably not assuming that someone might be plotting to fake a catastrophic engine failure right in front of you.

Yet that’s exactly what’s happening again and again across the country, and it’s spreading fast.

The way the “Oil in Engine” scam works is simple but effective

The scammers show up as potential buyers, ask for a test drive, and distract the seller. Then they discreetly pour oil or another fluid onto the engine or exhaust manifold.

When the car starts smoking, they act shocked and insist it’s got a major issue. With the seller rattled and desperate, they offer a fraction of the asking price, cash in hand.

Placer County deputies in California recently arrested two men accused of pulling off the scam

Investigators say 19-year-old and 36-year-old, both from Fremont, poured oil onto a seller’s engine during a test drive.

The point was to make it smoke like it was dying.

When the car appeared to break down, they allegedly tried to convince the owner the engine had blown. Then they swooped in with a lowball offer.

This time, the seller didn’t fall for it

Suspicious, the victim rescheduled and called deputies.

Working with detectives, the seller helped arrange a second meeting in Newcastle, where the pair was arrested.

“Oil in engine” isn’t a one-off scheme. It’s organized.

Deputies said the duo above had counterfeit registration materials and identity theft tools.

Both men now face felony charges including theft by false pretenses, conspiracy, possession of counterfeit paperwork, and identity theft.

According to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, these “oil in engine” scams are happening all over the country.

It’s not just happening in Northern California

ABC10 shared about a Southern California woman who told investigators she lost nearly everything last Christmas in the same scam.

She thought she was selling her Toyota 4Runner for $10,000. When the “buyers” said the engine had blown, she walked away with $800 and a frazzled feeling.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone selling a vehicle to slow down and stay calm if something feels off

Meet buyers in a public place. Consider a police station lot. Never let anyone test drive the car alone. If someone pressures you to close the deal fast or keeps you distracted, end the meeting.

The scammers’ goal is always the same: emotional manipulation. They want panic, not reason. Trust your instincts, and remember that engines don’t suddenly explode during a 15-minute test drive.