More than 100 authorized scrap yards in Spain have filed formal complaints with Wallapop over scams using the names and photos of real businesses to trick buyers. Criminals copy legitimate companies’ identities and persuade customers to pay for parts that never arrive; some buyers have lost as much as 3,200 euros in a single deal.
Spain’s network of Centros Autorizados de Tratamiento (CAT) is asking Wallapop to tighten its rules for selling used parts. Operators say that without better checks, the platform makes it easier for fraudsters to operate, harming buyers and the recycling industry’s reputation. They want Wallapop to require seller verification, public disclosure of CIF and contact details, CAT authorization numbers, and faster removal of fake profiles and listings.
The problem extends beyond fraud: weak controls on Wallapop also undermine the traceability of car parts, since only authorized centers may extract and prepare components from decommissioned vehicles in Spain.
Industry representatives say the most common scam involves advertising in-demand parts at prices well below the market rate. Scammers use real photos and company details stolen from authorized scrap yards, then send fake invoices and request bank transfers. The money goes to accounts unrelated to the real business, and the part never ships. Noticias de Álava reports that these schemes have caused serious financial losses and prompted the industry to act together.
Germán Catoira, president of the sector’s business association, puts the issue this way: “We are not asking for the door to selling spare parts on Wallapop to be closed. We are asking for professional sellers to be clearly identified and for controls that distinguish an authorized center from someone using its identity to commit fraud.”
To fight these scams, the industry has listed five demands for Wallapop: verify professional or frequent sellers; require CIF, contact details, and CAT authorization numbers; create a dedicated category for CAT-sourced parts; quickly remove fraudulent ads and profiles; and establish a direct reporting channel for suspected scams. The aim is to show buyers who is a legitimate, authorized seller and who is not.
Recent Spanish news reports say Wallapop is facing scrutiny over car parts fraud and has also become a channel for other scams and the sale of stolen goods. That reinforces its status as both a major secondary market and a high-risk zone for online fraud.
Independent Spanish media
Buyers should check that the seller is a certified CAT, be wary of prices that seem too low, and contact the business directly before sending money. These steps help guard against scams and identity theft.
Trust and transparency have long been issues in Spain’s automotive sector. As reported earlier, the industry has already seen major changes in ownership and oversight, raising questions about who controls the flow of parts and services.
Wallapop, a major player in Spain’s second-hand market, now faces a test. The CATs are not asking to ban online sales; they want clear rules and proper verification. Wallapop’s response as scams become more sophisticated will affect whether buyers and legitimate businesses can trust the platform.
