UNDATED (KDAL) – The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota is warning consumers about online vehicle shopping.
Since this past summer, there have been over twenty scams reported using fraudulent shipping companies where car buyers are duped into sending money to what they believe to be trusted third parties.
Some of the fraudulent company names include Minneapolis Express Deliveries, Westco Logistics, Rochester Cargo Center and Caldwell Green Transportation.
After months of investigating, the Better Business Bureau has found the fake entities have used addresses in Minnesota cities including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Rochester and Duluth.
The scams often begin with ads on Craigslist, Autotrader or other publications with a too-good-to-be-true offer that needs to be sold quickly.
Consumers who move forward with a wire transfer to purchase the vehicle say they never received the vehicle and were not able to reach the companies for refunds.
To avoid such scams the BBB say you should meet the seller and inspect the vehicle before releasing any money. Read business profiles and search for complaints or reviews for the shipper you are considering and make sure the company has a Department of Transportation motor carrier number which is required by law.
People who have lost money in such a scam are asked to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and report it to local law enforcement.
