A DRIVER is out a staggering $46,000 after the car she purchased from an online retailer never arrived – despite having paid in full.
To make matters worse, she relied on a trusted vehicle history report website – designed to provide buyers with top-notch information to make informed decisions.
WPVI-TVWoman has lost $46,000 after the car she bought from an online retailer never arrived[/caption] WPVI-TVShe trusted the vehicle history report website CARFAX for peace of mind[/caption] WPVI-TVThe report didn’t flag anything suspicious about the $46,000 Lexus SUV[/caption] GettyShe claims scammers ‘preyed on’ her and her husband[/caption]Speaking to ABC Action News, Adrianna Parsons of Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania revealed how she became a victim of something known as dealership cloning.
After finding a Lexus SUV on sale for roughly $46,000, Parsons told reporters: “It all looked very legitimate at first glance.”
However, it appears she was duped by a criminal network that uses popular site CARFAX to set up an elaborate ruse.
She added: “The fact that my husband found the car on CARFAX first, and then was led to the dealer through that, shows that we are safe.”
The dealer, which Parsons said was listed as Specialty Auto, had its location listed as Lincoln, Nebraska – some 1,400 miles away from her.
However, she was soon put to ease when she spoke to a man claiming to be the owner, Jim Woods.
Furthermore, her husband was able to find the information on a Jim Woods who owned a Specialty Auto in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Parsons said: “He played the role; he preyed on us. He knew that I was worried.
“My gut was telling me to stop. I didn’t listen to it well enough.”
To further prove the car’s existence, Parsons requested a video from Woods of the SUV – which he seemingly provided.
Reassured, the couple agreed on a price of $45,000 and wired over the money in mid-November – with the expectation that it would be shipped to their home in a week.
But as it turned out, Parsons wasn’t talking to the real Jim Woods, who, despite owning Specialty Auto in Lincoln, Nebraska, is 80 years old and has zero internet presence for marketing his vehicles.
Woods told Action News reporters that the Parsons weren’t the only drivers who were scammed into believing he was shipping vehicles.
“We came to find that criminals like this look for guys like him,” said Parsons.
Now, Parsons describes losing $45,000 to the scammers as “devastating.”
CARFAX, which markets itself as the gold standard for vehicle history, with the company’s car history reports known for being comprehensive and largely accurate, were contacted to reveal how they vet companies that pay to list vehicles on its site.
A spokesperson released a statement in part, which said: “While we are sympathetic to the situation, we are unable to provide more specific data on these issues.
“If CARFAX is made aware of a potentially fraudulent listing, the team acts swiftly to investigate and remove it.
“CARFAX encourages consumers to test drive a vehicle and have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection before purchase.”
The Parsons, though, believe CARFAX should be doing more to vet who is listing vehicles on their site.
“It’s cataclysmic to us as a family,” she added.
How to avoid a contractor scam
Tips to avoid being scammed into a driveway, sidewalk, or walkway job:
Just because someone shows up at your door wearing a reflective vest, a hard hat, and work boots does not mean they come from a reputable contracting company.
A scammer may tell you they could do a driveway, walkway, or sidewalk repaving for much cheaper than the previous contractor told you, appealing to homeowners looking to save thousands on home repairs.
Before writing a check or paying cash for what seems like an offer that’s too good to be true, here are some tips to ensure it’s not a scam.
Get three quotes from three different companies to see the variation in pricing. Never pay in advance. A reputable company will not take money upfront, as prices vary by the job, and complications can raise the price. Ask for a contractor license. In many states, if you ask to see their license, contractors are legally obligated to present it. Avoid door-to-door salesmen who say they’re in the area doing work. Many times, they’ll take a deposit and never show. Avoid paying by cashier’s check, cash, or via wire transfer. Paying with a credit card is the easiest way to dispute it if it is a scam. Keep communication in writing, such as email or text, to help protect you if things need to be handled legally and a police report is needed. Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Sometimes scammers will create a sense of urgency, but it’s important to take a step back and do some research.Read more here.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Driver out $46k after her new car never showed up – she learned truth about dealership ‘cloning’ but it was too late )
Also on site :