ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Police are trying to get to the bottom of an alleged Facebook Marketplace scam that reportedly left one woman without a car and the $5,000 she spent for it, along with a McDonough couple out of $7,000.

“It’s terrible. It’s like a nightmare,” said Neshia Brown.

Brown is a single mother who spent her hard-earned money on a 2016 Hyundai Sonata on Feb. 28. Just days later, she found out the car was reported stolen. Police eventually picked up the car while the investigation plays out, leaving Brown without any transportation, and without the $5,000 she spent for the vehicle.

“To be honest, it’s very depressing because I have a baby and I can’t even go to the store. I purchased the car so I wouldn’t have to worry about trying to catch a ride or walking in this neighborhood at night. Because that’s what I have to do,” Brown added.

Atlanta News First went directly to the home listed on the title in McDonough and found a couple who didn’t want to go on camera, but explained the situation. They said they sold the car to a man named Ryan, who gave them a fraudulent check in the amount of $7,000 on Feb. 28.

“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,” said the person, who did not want to be named.

The same car was listed on Facebook Marketplace by Ryan the same day, who sold it to Brown for cash.

“It’s just so sad that everybody’s trying to make it and do better for their life, and people just take advantage, and it’s no telling how many people that they’ve done like this, and they don’t care,” Brown added.

The McDonough couple said they feel bad for Brown but will not be using Facebook Marketplace again. In the meantime, while police look for the person responsible, the longer Brown is going to have to suffer.

She doesn’t want the same thing to happen to anyone else.

“I work hard for my money. People just need to be real careful about trusting people,” Brown concluded.

When using Facebook Marketplace, experts say to make sure you triple check the listing to see if the same pictures are anywhere else. That can be a major red flag.

Also pay attention to whether the seller is in a rush and is putting pressure on you to buy. It might be a good time to step back and hold off if your gut feeling isn’t right.

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