BBB of Wisconsin Warns About Used Car Scams Online

Monday, July 25th, 2022 -- 10:00 AM

(Raymond Neupert, WRN) Criminals are trying to use the high prices of used cars to try and scam people out of their money.

Finding a reliable, affordable used car online can be a hassle, and scammers are aiming to take your hard-earned money. Better Business Bureau spokesperson Lisa Schiller says the scammers will list a car for a fantastic price.

"When you contact the seller, you'll then find out that the vehicle is actually located in another city. But luckily for you, the seller knows a transport company that can deliver the vehicle to you and that is a red flag."

Schiller says scammers have been listing fake cars online for under-market prices and then trying to get people to pay transport fees to deliver that car to you. "Your vehicle will not actually be delivered because the sale was a scam and the con artist was in cahoots with the third party make believe transport company."

The Better Business Bureau has been tracking online car sale scams recently. Scammers are profiting off the rise in prices on used cars to list below-market price cars through online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist.

Schiller says you should always insist on seeing the car in person and get it inspected before making any payments. "If you get really vague answers. If the seller gets defensive or aggressive or if they can't confirm their location or the location of the vehicle, you're probably dealing with a scammer."

Schiller reminds people that if they send someone a money order or a prepaid debit card as payment, it's impossible to get that money back, so insist on credit cards or checks.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.