The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has issued an alert warning consumers about a growing scam in which fraudsters create near-perfect clones of legitimate car dealership websites, sometimes using AI, to trick buyers into paying upfront for vehicles that don’t exist. Victims show up at the real dealership only to find no record of their order, their payment, or their car.

How the Scam Works

Scammers copy a real dealer’s website in detail, replicating brand logos, vehicle listings, photos, and even customer testimonials. They often advertise rare or hard-to-find vehicles to draw in buyers, describe the buying process in reassuring detail, and offer flexible return policies to lower your guard.

How to Protect Yourself

• Search the dealer’s name online paired with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” before engaging.
• Ask to see the car and the dealership in person. If the seller refuses, walk away.
• If the vehicle is too far to visit, offer to hire a mobile inspection service. A reluctance to allow inspection is a serious red flag.
• Never pay by wire transfer only. That is a hallmark of fraud.

Report It

Consumers who encounter this scam should report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.