Cloned car dealership websites are taking deposits for cars that do not exist

According to the FTC, scammers copy a real dealer site, logos, listings, photos and all, then collect upfront payments. Buyers find out when the real dealership has no record of them. Rare and classic cars are a common lure.

Warning signs

• The dealer wants full or partial payment up front, by wire transfer only.
• You are discouraged from seeing the car or the lot in person.
• They refuse to let a mobile inspection service look at the vehicle.

What to do

1. Search the dealer name with the words "scam", "review", and "complaint".
2. Glowing reviews may belong to the real dealer being copied, so ask to visit, or send an inspector if the car is far away.
3. Walk away from wire-only payment and report the site at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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