South Dakotans warned of automobile dealership scam
May 23, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – The Consumer Protection Division of the South Dakota Attorney General’s office is warning consumers to be aware of fraudulent websites that have been established to mimic active South Dakota auto dealerships.
To date two dealerships in the state have been targeted by these criminals.
Consumers purchasing motor vehicles are being targeted when going through well-known sites such as Craigs List, carsforsale.com and other internet forums.
The scammers impersonate active South Dakota dealerships, setting up fake websites, posting stock photos of vehicles and discounted prices to entice potential victims.
When asked for additional photos, the scammers will conduct video calls and have a YouTube channel established with videos of the vehicles available for sale.
Additionally, scammers forward images of fake titles and doctored documents to the potential customers.
Individuals wanting to purchase vehicles from this site are asked to wire a deposit. The South Dakota Consumer Protection Division has received calls from multiple consumers outside of the state that have been scammed out of thousands of dollars.
