Contact: J.L. Rogers
Phone: 336-373-2255

GPD Warns Residents About Internet Scam

GREENSBORO, NC -- (July 7, 2010) –- Within the last two weeks, the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) has received several reports from residents who have lost money when trying to purchase a vehicle over the Internet. The scam involves out-of-state cars listed at prices well below market value. Interested buyers are asked to wire money to the sellers, and in turn, the sellers agree to ship the cars to the buyers. However, the buyers never receive the vehicles and have no way to recover their money.

The GPD offers these tips to help recognize similar scams:  

1. If the prices are too good to be true, the deal probably is also. Repossessed or not, it's not likely you will find a late model vehicle at a price well below market value on a legitimate company's website.
2. Beware of a dealer who only accepts payment by money wire transfer. Never wire money to anyone you do not know well and trust completely.
3. If you are told to wire the money to an individual rather than a company, do not do it. The scam artist may say this process is to "avoid taxes,” but no legitimate auto dealer would advise you to do business in this manner.
4. If the dealer communicates only through an online chat or e-mail and never by telephone, end contact immediately.
 
Greensboro Police Detectives are continuing the investigation into these auto scams. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 336-373-2255 or Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.

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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).