Finding a great deal on a car online can be exciting, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams. Many online shoppers have encountered enticing offers that turn out to be elaborate schemes designed to steal your money. One particularly concerning tactic involves the misuse of reputable company names, like Amazon, to create a false sense of security. This article will delve into the so-called “Amazon Protection Program For Cars,” expose how these scams operate, and equip you with the knowledge to protect yourself.
Recently, Edwin Reategui, a savvy online shopper, almost got caught in a car buying scam that leveraged the trusted name of Amazon. He was searching Craigslist for a used car and stumbled upon what seemed like an incredible deal – a 2012 Toyota Prius Hatchback. Upon contacting the seller, the offer became even more appealing.
The seller claimed to be a woman being deployed to Afghanistan and explained she was selling the vehicle through Amazon.com’s “Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.” This program supposedly included free shipping and a 100% money-back guarantee. “I said, ‘Wow! Amazon is selling cars now?’ It gives you a little security,” Reategui admitted, highlighting how the Amazon name instilled a false sense of trust.
The Scam Unveiled: How the Fake “Amazon Protection Program” Works
The seller instructed Reategui to make a payment by calling Amazon at a number provided on a fraudulent invoice. This is where the first major red flag appeared. Amazon does not sell cars.
“We don’t sell cars on Amazon.com,” stated Amazon spokesman Tom Cook. “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 by the seller was not an official Amazon customer service number.
When investigative consumer reporter Christina Vazquez from Local 10 News called the number, the person who answered initially claimed to work with eBay Motors and could assist with an “Amazon-related car purchase.” However, once Vazquez identified herself as a reporter, the woman quickly hung up. Days later, the number was disconnected, further confirming the scam.
While eBay Motors is a legitimate online platform, their spokesperson also confirmed that the number given to Reategui was not one of their official customer service numbers either. This highlights a common tactic where scammers misuse the names of both Amazon and eBay Motors to appear legitimate.
Amazon’s Firm Stance: “We Don’t Sell Cars”
Amazon is clear: they do not offer a “Vehicle Purchase Protection Program” for cars sold outside of their platform, because they simply do not sell cars directly to consumers. Any mention of an “Amazon Protection Program for Cars” in the context of buying a car from a third-party seller is a major red flag.
The official statement from Amazon emphasizes the importance of verifying information directly through their official website. If you encounter a deal that seems to involve Amazon in a car purchase, always navigate directly to Amazon.com and use their official contact information to confirm the legitimacy of the offer. Do not rely on phone numbers or email addresses provided by the seller.
Red Flags: Spotting the “Amazon Protection Program for Cars” Scam
The FBI has issued warnings about these types of scams, where criminals use false protection claims to lure online car shoppers. Here are crucial red flags to watch out for to protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes:
- Unofficial Email Addresses: Scrutinize the sender’s email address. In Reategui’s case, the invoice came from an address that looked like “Amazon” but used the domain “@supportprotection.com,” not the official “@amazon.com.” Legitimate communication from Amazon will always come from an “@amazon.com” email address.
- Requests to Move off Platform: Be wary if sellers try to move the transaction from a reputable platform like Craigslist to a less secure or off-platform communication method, especially when invoking names like “eBay Motors” or “Amazon Protection Program for Cars” outside of those official sites.
- Fake Protection Programs: Be skeptical of sellers claiming that a buyer protection program from a major internet company (like Amazon or eBay) covers a car transaction conducted outside of that company’s official website. The “Amazon Protection Program for Cars” described in these scams is non-existent.
- Pressure for Speedy Transaction & Wire Transfers: Scammers often pressure buyers to complete the transaction quickly and demand payment via wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram. Legitimate car sales, especially through reputable platforms, rarely rely on wire transfers and do not pressure for immediate payment before inspection.
- Refusal to Meet in Person or Allow Inspection: A seller who refuses to meet in person or allow you to physically inspect the vehicle before purchase is a major red flag. Scammers often operate remotely and do not have actual possession of the car.
- Seller and Vehicle in Different Locations: Be cautious if the seller and the vehicle are in different locations, especially if the seller claims to be moving for work, military deployment, or family reasons and cannot bring the car. This is a common tactic to explain why you cannot inspect the car in person.
- Prices Too Good to Be True: If a vehicle is advertised at a price significantly below market value, it is almost always a scam. Remember the adage: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Protect Yourself: Verify and Be Vigilant
Edwin Reategui’s experience serves as a valuable lesson. His quick thinking to verify the information directly with Amazon saved him from potential financial loss. Always be proactive in verifying any online car deal, especially those involving supposed “protection programs.”
To avoid becoming a victim:
- Always verify directly: If a deal mentions an “Amazon Protection Program for Cars” or any similar program, go directly to Amazon’s official website (Amazon.com) and use their contact information to inquire about the program’s legitimacy. Do not use contact details provided by the seller.
- Trust your instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true or if you feel pressured, step back and investigate further.
- Be wary of wire transfers: Avoid using wire transfer services for online car purchases, especially when dealing with unknown sellers.
- Inspect before you buy: Always try to inspect the vehicle in person before making any payment. If that’s not possible, consider using a reputable third-party inspection service.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can navigate the online car market safely and avoid falling prey to scams like the fake “Amazon Protection Program for Cars.” Remember, protecting yourself requires a healthy dose of skepticism and proactive verification.
