Car buying is stressful and tricky enough without grifts and swindles taking money out of your pocket. Tragically, car sales scams are on the rise. In Wisconsin, faux dealerships are preying on car buyers and defrauding them out of thousands. 

Scams have cost Wisconsin drivers as much as $190,000 with no sign of slowing down

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) have issued a grave notice about online car-buying scams in the Midwestern state. Grifters may pose as seemingly on-the-level dealers.

“We started seeing a trend of fake websites being made that were posing as legitimate Wisconsin dealers,” DMV Dealer and Agent Section Chief Maura Schifalacqua said about the cons. Then, using fake or copied photos, the faux dealers will attempt to sell vehicles. In yet another attempt to lure buyers, the sellers will post the vehicles at low, below-market prices. 

According to WisDOT, the seller will prompt an interested buyer to wire payment for the vehicle. Then, as you might imagine, the buyer never receives the vehicle and can’t reach the “legitimate dealer.” Unfortunately, victims are left with little recourse other than reporting the incident to the authorities, the DMV, and the BBB.    

Of course, online scams aren’t unique to Wisconsin. Malicious actors use fake advertisements and promises of seemingly impossible deals to entice “marks” nationwide. Tragically, that means car buyers have to look out for their well-being when shopping for vehicles, especially online and sight unseen. 

Don’t fall victim to car sales grifts

Granted, scams, grifts, swindles, and cons are commonplace. However, car buyers can arm themselves with a handful of tips and tricks to stay ahead of scammers.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is
• Get proof that the vehicle exists
• If possible, see the vehicle in person
• Lookout for red flags on the dealer’s website or page
• Don’t be afraid to walk away from a sale

Let’s face it, if you’re looking at a vehicle priced at $30,000 less than market value, it’s likely a scam. What’s more, buyers should verify that the vehicle they want exists. Consider using a video chat or seeing the car in person.

When looking at a dealer’s website, look for obvious red flags. For instance, if you see excessive spelling errors or mismatched photos, you might be looking at a fake. Finally, never be afraid to walk away from a sketchy sale. If it doesn’t feel right, it might not be.