Prolix

Thank you all for your comments. One thing that struck me as I read your replies is that everyone seems to be pointing their finger at the car owner as the perpatrator of this scam, but what about CarsDirect.com? They are the ones confirming that they have the car in their warehouse in Denver, they are the ones telling me to send a $2,900 deposit, they are the ones saying they have inspected and insured the car and that "Seller description was verified by our specialists." They also told me that "The transfer should be completed within the next 48 hours" which would make anyone suspicious. What I can't figure out is that CarsDirect.com is a huge on-line business with thousands of cars listed for sale, how can they get away with perpetrating scams like this? Interestingly, there is no phone number listed anywhere on their website to call them, only an e-mail address. I sent them several follow up e-mails with questions regarding this car, and each time I get back the following response -

Dear Customer,

*The seller will not be able to receive the funds without your purchase
decision.
The transaction is fully insured and there is no risk for you.
If you decide to purchase the vehicle the funds will be released.
Otherway, we will refund the entire amount (including transfer fee) in
person, when a legitimate CarsDirect team will come to pick-up the
vehicle.

So apparently there is no way to communicate with CarsDirect.com, you only get form e-mails sent back to you. I can't believe an internet business this high profile is engaged in such fraud. Does anyone know how I can go about reporting this company to some authority that could look into this scam? I really feel they need to be stopped and I am willing to put my time into this matter to get them to cease and desist from such misleading business practices.

Thank You,
Prolix

Carpe Diem

I don't know how but these "looks like" things a re created but they don't seem to be very hard to do. Haven't you gotten things from ebay that said "dear ebay member"? They're bogus. Haven't you gotten inquires from banks (some where you don't even have an account) asking you to enter your account number and pin for some legitimate sounding reason? They're bogus too.

Could be the same here, a bogus page that looks like CarDirect.com.

George

LeslieRC

You're a better person than me, as I would not give this much thought and effort to something so obviously disingenuous. Bottom-line for me: I need to see evidence of credibility. If I'm dealing with a contractor, I don't pay it all up-front and they must be bonded; if it's a high-end purchase, there must be a "brick and mortor" establishment (store, dealership, etc.); if I'm purchasing via the Internet, I use my American Express card. I respect my money enough that I have to be comfortable with whom I'm dealing before I give it to them.

SC430inVA

I agree 100%. runaway from this deal as fast as you can.

regards,

al