Shopping for a Car Online? Make Sure the Dealership Is Real

Key Takeaways

• Scammers can create convincing copies of legitimate auto dealership websites.
• Fake sites may use real vehicle photographs, logos and customer reviews.
• Verify a dealership independently before sending a deposit or payment.
• Be especially cautious when someone insists on payment by wire transfer.

Main Article

A website can look professional, display hundreds of vehicles and even carry the name and logo of a legitimate dealership—and still be fake. Scammers can copy real dealership websites to convince shoppers to pay for vehicles that don’t exist.

These fraudulent sites may include authentic-looking vehicle listings, professional photographs, customer testimonials and detailed information about purchasing and shipping. Some feature rare, classic or hard-to-find vehicles that can make shoppers feel pressure to act quickly before someone else buys them.

Before sending money, verify the dealership using information you find independently—not simply the phone number or email listed on the website you’re viewing. Search for the dealership separately, confirm its physical address and call a known number to verify that the vehicle is actually in its inventory. If you’re buying from a dealership far from home, consider arranging an independent vehicle inspection.

Be especially wary if you’re told that a large deposit or the full purchase price must be sent by wire transfer. A great online deal can be exciting, but don’t let the fear of missing out replace basic verification. Before paying thousands of dollars for a vehicle, make sure both the car and the seller truly exist.