That Used Car Online May Not Exist — Scammers Are Cloning Real Dealership Websites

A legitimate dealership can have its name, photos, inventory, and online identity copied by scammers, so shoppers should independently verify both the dealer and the specific vehicle before sending money – Shutterstock

That used car listing may look like it belongs to a legitimate dealership because scammers can copy the dealership itself. The Federal Trade Commission recently warned that criminals are cloning real dealer websites, including logos, vehicle listings, photos, and even customer testimonials.

That creates a particularly nasty problem for online car shoppers. A buyer can research the dealership, find a real business with the same name, and still end up talking to a scammer. The website can look polished enough to remove the little doubts that usually make people pause.