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Know the Danger Signals of Scams
A fleet insurance quotes deal that sounds much better than any being advertised by firms you know to be legitimate – offers that are “too good to be true”.
A promoter who is not based locally, provides no telephone number, and uses a PO box or mail drop, rather than a full street address.
A promoter name and/or logo that closely mimics that of a respected brand or business.
Pressure words, such as “urgent” or “final deadline,” sprinkled throughout the sales literature.
Pressure, threats or harassment, either in writing, during a phone call, in an e-mail message, or in a personal contact.
Individuals who immediately request or demand for a check, money order or cash to be picked up by a courier or to be sent to a mail drop or PO box
Vague answers or none at all to key questions you ask about the Fleet Insurance offer; and insistence that you finalize a deal orally or provide personal financial information (such as your social security number or credit card number), without a written contract or other documentation in writing.
These scams are not limited to cars. It is used with other vehicles, such as trucks and motorcycles
Be aware, scams are becoming widespread and are targeting auto sellers on the internet. This Often involves buyers from Nigeria, Africa, Holland and other countries.
Car-dealer fraud is plaguing our country. The tactics being used are so sly that even informed consumers who do their homework are being taken for hundreds, and often thousands, of dollars.
These scam artists prey on their victims by making offers that sellers can’t refuse. They offer to purchase items at a price well over what the seller is asking for. A fake money order or fake cashier’s check that may look like it is being drawn from a reputable large company such as an airline or credit card company for an even larger amount is sent as payment for the items.
Scammers are also beginning to change their tactics. Some are requesting account information such as routing numbers in order to (supposedly) wire funds. Please do not provide any information without first checking with your financial institution. Scammers have also begun advertising very high-end cars (on the web) with an asking price that is too good to be true. Contact method in the ad is usually a Yahoo or MSN email address. Scammer then instructs buyer to wire, credit or mail a deposit to hold the car.
scam artists send out thousands of these solicitations in hopes of connecting with a less Internet savvy individual. Often the letters are written in broken English, contain misspelled words and are not appropriate for the ad they are responding to. They always offer far more for the purchase than the stated price.
Tips to Help in Preventing Scams
Take your time deciding; be firm in the face of pressure.
Protect your privacy.
Provide personal information only if you know who’s collecting it, why, and how it’s being used.
If you accept an offer, please take the check to the bank to verify its authenticity before releasing cars, parts, or excess funds. Most financial institutions require at least 10-15 business days before the check will clear; it is important to wait the full 15 days. An honest buyer won’t mind the slight delay and will understand your desire to be cautious.
Read before you sign. Fully understand the contract, and make sure it matches what the salesperson told you.
Don’t believe it just because you saw it on the Internet. Obtain the company’s physical address and phone number and check the company out with your Better Business Bureau.
If asked to purchase goods sight unseen, compare the prices and warranties with those offered by local firms. Remember that you run a risk of getting inferior merchandise when you order products from unfamiliar businesses without being able to inspect them first.
The best protection is to use common sense – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. never refund an amount from a payment made in this manner for any reason! be suspicious of offers of more money than asked for, especially when the “buyer” has not asked enough questions regarding the item to warrant such an offer
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