Archive for July, 2010
BBB ALERT: Online Car Dealer Scam
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
(July 7, 2010) – The Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky is warning car shoppers to beware of websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals on repossessed cars. The scam, going on nationwide, uses the names of well-known, existing auto dealerships to try and fool consumers into wiring them money to pay deposits, only to receive no vehicle and no way to get their money back.
“The latest scam crossing our radar in our service area uses the name Superstore Used Cars, or the website www.superautosalesus.com, and gives an address in Hazard, Kentucky,” said Neil Kingery, President & CEO of the BBB of Central & Eastern Kentucky. “We have received many calls and e-mails from hopeful consumers outside of Kentucky checking out this non-existent dealer in Hazard because of the low, low prices offered for these repossessed vehicles. They tell us they were being asked to wire money via Money Gram to pay deposits.”
Consumers tell the BBB they saw the advertisement for Superstore Used Cars and its website either by searching the Internet or in small advertising publications in their areas, far away from the location the scammer fraudulently gives as its Kentucky address. The same website was also recently associated with a dealer name and address out of Louisville, but since changed to the 800 Morton Blvd., Hazard. Some customers say phone numbers they were given for the company do not work.
At last check, the website www.superautosalesus.com was gone from the Internet. However, other BBB’s across the nation also report the same scam has popped up across the Internet with different domain names, so consumers should be aware of the red flags of this scam:
RED FLAGS
· The prices are too good to be true. Repossessed or no, it’s not likely you will find a late model vehicle at a price well below market value on a legitimate company’s website.
· The dealer only accepts payment by money wire transfer. Never wire money to anyone that you do not know well and trust completely.
You are told to wire the money to an individual rather than the company. The scam artist explains this is in order to “avoid taxes.” No legitimate auto dealer will advise you to do business in this manner.
The dealer communicates only through on line chat or e-mail…never by phone.
“Many legitimate automobile dealers also offer their inventory on their company’s websites,” said Kingery. “If you prefer to shop around online for cars, we suggest shopping with BBB Accredited Businesses who have met strict ethical standards, which includes a commitment to resolving customer disputes. Why not shop closer to home with a business you can trust? Log on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org and click on the ‘Find a BBB Accredited Business’ tab to search for a list of BBB Accredited automobile dealers in our 64-county service area.”
Contact the Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky to check out companies, charities, or to report problems and scams by calling (859) 259-1008 or toll-free 1-800-866-6668 or by logging on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Kentucky will be covered with ‘Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass’
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 1, 2010) – In an effort to continue the decrease in fatalities and raise awareness of traffic safety laws, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS), Kentucky State Police (KSP), and local law enforcement agencies have partnered together to sponsor the “Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass” campaign July 1 through Aug. 8.
Press conferences were held today at the Woodford County and Shelby County rest areas to kick-off the campaign. In addition, the KOHS will be running radio commercials by NASCAR drivers Kenny Wallace and Brad Coleman throughout the summer months.
“People are hitting the road for summer vacations and upcoming Independence Day celebrations,” said KOHS Executive Director Chuck Geveden. “We want to make sure that all drivers are aware of their responsibilities behind the wheel.”
So far this year, there have been a total of 340 highway fatalities, 49 fewer than at the same time last year.
“While we’re pleased in the reduction of our fatality numbers, I believe everyone would agree that one death is too many,” said Geveden. “We hope our combined efforts with law enforcement will encourage everyone to wear a seat belt or helmet, drive the speed limit, and never drive impaired.”
KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer said his agency will be out in full force supporting this enforcement effort with safety check points and saturation patrols.
“Unfortunately, too many people don’t understand that alcohol, drugs and driving just don’t mix,” Brewer said. “Impaired driving is no accident, nor is it a victimless crime.”
”Even first-time violators face immediate arrest, which can result in court costs, legal fees, higher auto insurance rates, fines, loss of license and even imprisonment,” Brewer added. “The consequences are serious and real.”
Wearing a seat belt is your best defense against injury and death. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that seat belts, when worn correctly, reduce the risk of fatalities by 45 percent for front-seat vehicle occupants, and by 60 percent for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants.
“No matter what you drive – a car, truck or motorcycle – you must obey the law or you will be cited,” said Geveden. “No exceptions, no excuses.”
Of the 791 total fatalities in 2009, 649 were in motor vehicles. Of those killed, 61 percent were not buckled up and 20 percent of fatalities involved alcohol. Motorcyclists accounted for 80 fatalities. More than 60 percent of those killed were not wearing helmets and 19 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved alcohol.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »