‘Too good to be true’: Several victimized by online auto scams

JACKSON, Tenn. — Virtual vehicle scams continue to victimize consumers across West Tennessee.

We spoke with Toddnetta Trice with the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South, who shared some tips for those looking to purchase a vehicle online.

She says to watch out for those “too good to be true” deals, and to always check the reviews and ratings of a specific website or online store.

She also says to stay away from online transaction methods like Venmo or CashApp and to meet in person at a safe spot.

If the seller says no to any location, that could be a red flag.

“If you’re not in that vicinity or in the area and you want to look at a vehicle, go ahead and see if you can have a third party instead,” Trice said. “So instead of you going out of your way making that trip, see if there’s anyone in that area that can go look at that car for you and inspect it, like perhaps a mobile mechanic, things of that nature.”

Recently, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti issued an alert about scam websites posing as vehicle and equipment dealerships to help slow down these scams.

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