For buyers, dealers, vehicle inspectors & auto-fraud attorneys
Bought a used car privately — and got scammed? Capture the listing before the seller deletes it.
The mileage, “clean title,” “no accidents” — that was in the listing. Capture it now, because the seller can edit or delete it any time. SHA-256 hash + Bitcoin blockchain timestamp. Court-ready evidence ZIP in 10 seconds.
Most private sales are “as-is” — but “as-is” never shields a seller who committed fraud. If they rolled back the odometer, lied about the title, or hid a known defect, you can act despite the “as-is” line. The catch: the marketplaces give you no archive, the seller deletes the post, and a plain screenshot rarely clears the authentication bar (FRE 901). ProofSnap captures the live page and seals it with a hash and a Bitcoin OpenTimestamps anchor — self-authenticating under FRE 902(13)/(14).
Still buying? Capture the listing in 10 seconds, before you wire thousands of dollars — the cheapest insurance against an odometer rollback or a “clean title” lie there is.
One-time payment · no subscription · the evidence ZIP is yours to keep forever.
Also available for Microsoft Edge
Help me choose
10 seconds per capture · Pay-per-use from $4.99 · Designed for FRE 901 / 902(13)
2019 BMW 320d xDrive
“Runs great, no issues at all, clean title, never been in an accident. Selling as-is, private sale.”
Private seller · Austin, TX · listed 3 days ago
Captured & sealed
SHA-256 · timestamped
Illustrative example (fictional listing — no real vehicle or seller). Blue marks the typically disputed claims (mileage, “clean title” / “no accidents”). Right: the ProofSnap side panel.
Bitcoin OpenTimestamps on every capture · verify any ZIP yourself with the free open-source Trust Verifier
Quick answer
How do you preserve a used-car listing as court-admissible evidence?
Capture the live listing with ProofSnap and you get a court-ready evidence ZIP in 10 seconds — proof of the advertised mileage, the “clean title” / “no accidents” claims, and the moment it was posted, before the seller can edit or delete it. Pay-per-use from $4.99 with Bitcoin proof, or from $6.99 with an EU qualified timestamp for cross-border matters.
Technical detail: ProofSnap captures the full page (screenshot, page source, listing text, mileage, URL, metadata), computes a SHA-256 hash, and anchors it to the Bitcoin blockchain via OpenTimestamps. The forensic ZIP is designed for US Federal Rules of Evidence 901 and 902(13)/(14) — self-authenticating electronic records, no live witness needed — and is verifiable by anyone with the free ProofSnap Trust Verifier. An “as-is” sale does not bar a fraud claim: an odometer rollback can carry treble damages or $10,000 plus attorney's fees under the Truth in Mileage Act (49 U.S.C. 32710). Do this before you confront the seller — once the listing is gone, so is your proof.
Why a screenshot of the listing won't hold up in court
If the seller defrauded you, the listing is your most important evidence — and a plain screenshot is the weakest. All four problems are preventable in 10 seconds.
The listing disappears
Once the car sells or you complain, the seller edits or deletes the post. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, CarGurus and Cars.com give you no archive — after that it's your word against theirs.
No verifiable timestamp
A screenshot has no provable capture time. The seller can claim the advertised mileage or the “clean title” line was never there.
“Anyone could Photoshop that”
Image files are trivially editable. Without a cryptographic hash, opposing counsel can dismiss your screenshot as unverifiable — and a plain screenshot rarely clears the FRE 901 authentication bar.
No URL, source, or chain of custody
Screenshots lack the page URL, page source, seller profile, and forensic metadata a demand letter, a small-claims filing, or your attorney relies on to tie the false claim to its author.
Listing already deleted? You can still preserve evidence.
The seller pulled the listing after the sale? That doesn't mean your proof is gone. Several sources survive the deletion of the listing — capture them now, before they disappear too.
The messaging thread — your strongest leftover
The Messenger or Marketplace chat stays in your inbox even after the listing is gone. That's often where the decisive assurances live: “yeah, no accidents,” “real 56K miles.” Capture the full thread with ProofSnap.
The seller's profile & other listings
The seller's profile and their other or re-posted listings are often still live — and a string of vehicle sales can suggest they're really an unlicensed dealer, which changes which consumer-protection rules apply. Capture the profile while it's there.
Google cache & web archive
Sometimes a cached version of the listing is still reachable via Google cache or the Wayback Machine. Open it in Chrome and seal it immediately — the cache is continually overwritten.
Bill of sale & mileage mismatch
Open your bill of sale, the title, and an NMVTIS or Carfax/AutoCheck history side by side in Chrome and capture them with a timestamp — the mismatch between advertised and true mileage becomes a sealed exhibit, not loose paperwork.
Prefer no subscription? SnapPack for $4.99 — 10 captures, Bitcoin timestamp.
When the listing decides thousands of dollars
Three situations where the original listing is the decisive evidence — and where every hour counts before it's deleted.
Odometer rollback
The listing said 56,000 miles — the title or NMVTIS shows 156,000. The advertised mileage is your core proof of intent to defraud under the Truth in Mileage Act (49 U.S.C. 32710): treble damages or $10,000, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. Capture it before the listing vanishes.
Evidence needed: listing mileage, description, seller profile
“Clean title” / “no accidents” was a lie
Advertised with a clean title and no accident history — actually a salvage or rebuilt title, or a wrecked car. A knowing false statement of a material fact you relied on is fraudulent misrepresentation, and the listing proves exactly what was claimed.
Evidence needed: listing text, badges, photos
Hidden defect behind “as-is”
The seller hides behind the “as-is” line — but “as-is” never covers active concealment of a known defect. A listing that said “runs great, no issues” rebuts their claim and supports a fraud or state UDAP case.
Evidence needed: listing text, chat thread, assurances
From “I just saw this” to court-ready in four steps
No technical expertise required. The whole thing takes about 10 seconds.
Open the listing
Open the listing on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, CarGurus, Cars.com or eBay Motors while it's still live — with the mileage, title and accident claims, and seller profile.
Click ProofSnap
One click captures the full page with listing text, price, mileage, URL, metadata, DOM content, and a SHA-256 hash.
Download evidence
Get a blockchain-timestamped ZIP with screenshot, page source, metadata, chain of custody, forensic log, and a court-ready PDF.
Take action
Attach it to a demand letter, a small-claims filing, or your auto-fraud / consumer-protection attorney's case.
What's in the evidence ZIP — up to 15 forensic files, all verifiable with the free Trust Verifier
SnapPack and Professional include the Bitcoin blockchain timestamp (.ots). The optional eIDAS qualified timestamp (.tsr + eidas_validation.json) ships with eIDAS SnapPacks and Enterprise — useful for cross-border matters.
Two layers of proof — pick by stakes
Every capture is anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain — the core layer for a US dispute. Add an EU qualified timestamp only if the matter crosses into the EU.
Layer 1 — SHA-256 + Bitcoin OpenTimestamps
Your capture's SHA-256 hash is anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain — decentralized, independent, tamper-evident proof that the listing existed at time T. Court-admissible as corroborating evidence under US FRE 901(b)(9), and the basis for self-authentication under FRE 902(13)/(14). This is the centerpiece for a US used-car dispute.
Included on every paid plan · or standalone via SnapPack $4.99 (10 captures)
Layer 2 — eIDAS qualified timestamp (optional)
Issued by Disig a.s., a Qualified Trust Service Provider on the EU Trusted List. Carries a legal presumption of accuracy under eIDAS Art. 41(2) across the EU — an optional premium add-on, useful if your dispute or the seller crosses into Europe.
Add via eIDAS SnapPack from $6.99 · or included on Enterprise
What this stands on
US — Truth in Mileage Act
49 U.S.C. 32710. Odometer fraud with intent to defraud: treble damages or $10,000, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. Applies to private sellers, every state.
US — “As-is” fraud carve-out
Caveat emptor limits warranty claims, but never shields intentional misrepresentation or active concealment. UDAP / as-is rules vary state by state.
US — FRE 901 / 902(13)(14)
A plain screenshot rarely clears 901(a). A hashed, timestamped capture is self-authenticating under 902(13)/(14) — no live witness needed.
EU — eIDAS Art. 41(2) (optional)
Qualified timestamps enjoy a presumption of accuracy across all 27 member states — an add-on for cross-border matters.
Note: in a fraud claim the burden is on the buyer to prove the seller lied — the sealed listing is your central exhibit. ProofSnap is an evidence tool, not legal advice. For your specific dispute, consult an attorney.
Also for dealers, inspectors and attorneys
Anyone who works with vehicle listings professionally needs provable snapshots — defensively and offensively.
Dealers
Your own listing text can be treated as a representation a buyer relied on. Archive defensively what you advertised and when — against later misrepresentation or UDAP claims over mileage, title, or condition.
Vehicle inspectors
Pair your condition report with a timestamped capture of the original listing — a closed chain from what was advertised to what you actually found, including any mileage or title mismatch.
Auto-fraud & consumer attorneys
Preserve each client's listing in seconds, before the opposing party deletes it — self-authenticating under FRE 902(13)/(14). Team accounts for the whole firm.
Pay per capture, or subscribe
A car-fraud dispute is usually a one-off — so most people just buy a SnapPack. No subscription required.
Not sure which to pick? Pick by stakes & volume.
Capture one listing now
Bitcoin proof, 10 captures, no subscription.
FRE 901 / 902 tamper-evidence.
SnapPack — $4.99 ↓One listing, cross-border
EU qualified timestamp, single capture.
eIDAS Art. 41(2) presumption.
eIDAS SnapPack 1 — $6.99 ↓Several vehicles
Multiple listings, ongoing case.
EU qualified, $5/stamp.
eIDAS SnapPack 5 — $24.99 ↓Dealer / inspector / firm
Ongoing evidence preservation, team.
Monthly capture quota.
Subscribe — from $8.99/mo ↓SnapPack
$4.9910 page captures, each with a SHA-256 hash and a Bitcoin blockchain timestamp, in the full forensic evidence ZIP. One-time payment — no subscription, no auto-renewal.
- Proof the listing existed at a specific time (FRE 901 / 902)
- Chain of custody & provenance certificate PDF
- Capture 10 listings, seller profiles, or chat threads
eIDAS SnapPack — for cross-border matters
Adds an optional EU qualified timestamp (Art. 41(2) presumption) to your captures. Credits valid 12 months.
Every eIDAS SnapPack capture also includes the Bitcoin OpenTimestamps anchor — both layers in one ZIP.
Or subscribe — for dealers, inspectors & firms
For anyone preserving vehicle listings regularly. Annual plans save 20%.
Essential
or $80/year (20% savings)
- 100 captures / month
- SHA-256 hash + digital signature
- No blockchain timestamp — use a SnapPack for that
- Forensic ZIP with chain of custody
Professional
or $160/year (20% savings)
- 200 captures / month
- Bitcoin OpenTimestamps on every capture
- Independently verifiable proof of date
- Team accounts
Enterprise
or $280/year (20% savings)
- Unlimited captures
- Bitcoin OpenTimestamps on every capture
- 10 eIDAS qualified stamps / month
- Email support · response within 3 business days
7-day trial requires a credit card. Cancel anytime within the trial — no charge.
Teams of 2+ can use Company per-seat pricing ($18.99/seat/month). Tax-deductible business expense.
Two pack types. Plain SnapPack ($4.99) gives 10 captures with the SHA-256 + Bitcoin OpenTimestamps layer — the core layer for a US dispute. For an optional EU Art. 41(2) qualified timestamp, use an eIDAS SnapPack; those stamps add the qualified layer on top of Bitcoin.
Credits don't expire fast. eIDAS SnapPack credits are valid for 12 months, so you can buy ahead of a dispute. Payments are handled securely by Stripe; a credit card is required for every purchase, including SnapPacks — the SnapPack benefit is no subscription and no auto-renewal.
vs a screenshot, the Wayback Machine, or a notary
Forensic-grade evidence you keep — in seconds, for a few dollars.
| Feature | ProofSnap | Manual Screenshot | Wayback Machine | Notary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captures the listing before deletion | Manual | Rarely (dynamic pages) | Appointment needed — too slow | |
| SHA-256 hash + Bitcoin timestamp | No | No | No | |
| EU eIDAS qualified timestamp option | No | No | Notarization (different process) | |
| Chain of custody + seller metadata | No | No | Partial | |
| You keep the evidence (local ZIP) | ||||
| Designed for court (FRE 901 / 902) | Easily challenged | Corroborating only | Yes | |
| Entry price | $4.99 SnapPack · $6.99 eIDAS 1-pack | $0 | Free | Often $25–$100+ |
Comparison reflects publicly available 2026 information. Terms may differ by region or provider.
Frequently asked questions
Don't let the proof disappear.
Before the seller deletes the listing, capture it in 10 seconds. Start with a SnapPack for $4.99 — or add an EU qualified timestamp from $6.99 for a cross-border matter.
Capture the listing — 7-day free trial7-day trial requires a credit card. Cancel anytime within the trial — no charge. Prefer no subscription? Buy a SnapPack for $4.99.