LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office wants to warn the public about an increase in internet vehicle sales fraud.
The vehicles are just too good to be true. They are everything a person would need and at a great price.
However, the Sheriff’s Office says deals like these often end on bad terms.
The FBI has received nearly 30,000 complaints of fraudulent vehicle sales exceeding $57,000,000.
Criminals will often post false vehicle advertisements and even provide additional pictures upon request. The criminal usually follows up with a sad story as to why they cannot keep their vehicle.
This is when they ask the victim to wire the money or pay a small deposit the Sheriffs say.
The Sheriff’s Office offers these few tips to keep safe when purchasing a vehicle online:
· Ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN) and current license plate information.
· Insist on inspecting the vehicle in person before purchase.
· Inspect title and lien information before making any payment or deposit.
If you believe you are a victim of fraud please call the Lee County Sheriffs Office.
