Better Business Bureau warns buyers about a classic car scam costing victims thousands dollars

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A new classic car scam is affecting people in Alabama, causing them to lose thousands of dollars. According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers are using photos and videos from legitimate dealerships to deceive buyers.

The President of the BBB, Carl Bates, has stated that people across the country are falling victim to this scam. Many individuals send tens of thousands of dollars in hopes of receiving a vintage car at their doorsteps, only to find themselves without a car and have no way to recover their money.

The scammers target people’s dream cars, knowing that many buyers cannot personally inspect the vehicles, mainly if they are located in another state. Instead, the scammers provide videos and images of the car’s interior from actual dealerships and send fake-looking documents. Then, they request deposits ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, which are sent electronically to their accounts before cutting off all contact.

“The money is gone. It’s very difficult to track,” states Bates. “Most of the money is going offshore, and when you try to reach out to the dealer who scammed you, they either disappear or come up with elaborate excuses, such as accidents or arrests, dragging the situation on for months.”

This scam is not limited to classic cars but also extends to heavy equipment like tractors. Bates advises that the best way to avoid falling victim to such scams is to personally inspect the vehicle and avoid sending money electronically, opting to pay in person instead.

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