Buying a car online can seem like a convenient and cost-effective option in today’s digital age. However, the allure of great deals can sometimes mask sophisticated scams, especially when the promise of buyer protection enters the picture. Recently, a Local 10 News viewer named Edwin Reategui narrowly avoided becoming a victim of such a scam, one that cleverly misused the trusted name of Amazon. This incident serves as a crucial reminder for anyone considering purchasing a vehicle online, particularly when encountering offers linked to the “Amazon Buyer Protection Program Cars.”
Reategui was searching for cars on Craigslist when he stumbled upon what appeared to be an incredible deal. It was a 2012 Toyota Prius Hatchback, and the price seemed too good to pass up. Upon contacting the seller, the deal became even more enticing. The seller claimed to be deployed to Afghanistan and was selling the car through Amazon.com’s “Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.” This program, as described by the seller, included free shipping and a 100% money-back guarantee, adding a layer of perceived security to the transaction.
“I said, ‘Wow! Amazon is selling cars now?’ It gives you a little security,” Reategui admitted, highlighting the power of brand trust in these scams.
The False Promise of Amazon’s Vehicle Purchase Protection
The seller instructed Reategui to make a payment by calling a number provided on an invoice, supposedly to Amazon. This is where the first major red flag should have appeared: Amazon does not sell cars, and consequently, does not offer a “Vehicle Purchase Protection Program” for car sales.
Amazon spokesman Tom Cook firmly stated, “We don’t sell cars on Amazon.com. We have heard of this before, it has happened in other areas so we tell customers to be careful. Trust is a big factor for us. Make sure if you think you are buying from Amazon that you are on Amazon.com.” Cook also verified that the phone number provided to Reategui was not an official Amazon customer service number.
Investigative consumer reporter Christina Vazquez from Local 10 News further investigated by calling the number. Initially, the person answering claimed to work with eBay Motors and could assist with an “Amazon-related” car purchase. However, upon being identified as a reporter, the person quickly hung up, and the number was disconnected days later. While eBay Motors is a legitimate online platform, their spokesperson confirmed that the number was not one of their official customer service lines either.
The FBI has issued warnings about these types of scams, where criminals use fabricated protection programs to lure unsuspecting online car shoppers. These tactics often involve sellers claiming to offer prices below market value due to urgent circumstances like relocation for work or military deployment.
“In fraudulent vehicle sales, criminals attempt to sell vehicles they do not own,” the FBI stated. “The criminal pockets the payment but does not deliver the vehicle.” This is the core of the scam: to take your money without ever intending to provide a car.
Recognizing the Red Flags of Online Car Scams
Edwin Reategui’s experience, and warnings from authorities like the FBI and Amazon, highlight several crucial red flags to be aware of when shopping for cars online and encountering supposed “amazon buyer protection program cars” or similar claims.
Email Address Deception: One of the most telling clues in Reategui’s case was the email address from which the invoice was sent. It appeared to be from “Amazon,” but the domain was “@supportprotection.com,” not the official “@amazon.com.”
Tom Cook from Amazon emphasized, “First and foremost, it is the email address. That’s one thing that will give it away immediately. If it comes from @gmail or @ any other thing other than @amazon.com, it is not from us.” Always scrutinize the sender’s email address. Legitimate companies will use their official domain names.
Unsolicited Contact and Platform Switching: Be wary of sellers who want to move the transaction away from the original platform, such as from Craigslist to eBay Motors, especially when buyer protection is suddenly mentioned in the new context.
Buyer Protection Program Misrepresentation: Scammers often falsely claim that buyer protection programs from major internet companies cover transactions conducted outside of those companies’ official sites. Remember, programs like eBay Motors’ Vehicle Protection Program (VPP) apply only to transactions initiated and completed on eBay Motors.
Pressure for Quick Transactions and Wire Transfers: Scammers typically push for a fast closing of the deal and demand payment via quick wire transfer systems like Western Union or MoneyGram. Legitimate transactions usually offer secure and traceable payment methods. Wiring money is akin to sending cash – it’s very difficult to recover.
Refusal to Meet in Person or Inspect the Vehicle: A seller who refuses to allow a physical inspection of the vehicle or meet in person is a major red flag. Legitimate sellers are generally willing to allow inspections.
Seller and Vehicle Location Discrepancies: Be suspicious if the seller and the vehicle are in different locations, especially if the seller provides reasons like relocation or military deployment.
Unrealistically Low Prices: If a vehicle is advertised at a price significantly below its market value, it’s likely a scam. As the saying goes, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
Protecting Yourself from Online Car Buying Scams
Edwin Reategui’s proactive approach of contacting Amazon directly saved him from falling victim to the scam. His experience provides a valuable lesson for all online car buyers.
Verify Directly with the Company: If you are told a transaction is protected by a program like the “amazon buyer protection program cars,” independently verify this information by contacting the company directly through their official website’s customer service channels. Do not use contact information provided by the seller.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for secure and traceable payment methods. Credit cards or escrow services offer more protection than wire transfers.
Inspect the Vehicle in Person: Whenever possible, inspect the vehicle in person before making a purchase. If that’s not feasible, consider hiring a professional vehicle inspector in the car’s location.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about a deal, it probably is. Don’t let the excitement of a perceived great deal cloud your judgment.
By staying informed, vigilant, and cautious, you can navigate the online car market safely and avoid becoming a victim of scams that misuse the names of trusted brands like Amazon to deceive buyers. Remember, when it comes to “amazon buyer protection program cars,” the safest approach is to be skeptical and verify everything independently.
