Like so many transactions on the internet, car transactions are frequently the subject of scams run by enterprising criminals. These scams are initiated on legitimate websites but quickly move into the seedier parts of the internet. The most common form of buying cars online fraud involves spoofed websites, hard luck stories and drained accounts.
In a typical car buying scam, the victim sees an attractive ad for a car at a low price and contacts the scammer. The scammer may try to rationalize the low price or move straight to the transaction. Via email, the scammer may direct the buyer to a fake website that resembles that of a legitimate company, such as eBay.
The funds are subsequently stolen after the car has been paid for, with a promise of deliver not honored. Tech savvy criminals will also ask for faxed confirmation to ensure the funds have been made available to them, either by way of the fake website or a bank account.
There are usually matters to resolve disputes over payments on a used car in civil court, but in criminal matters, the FBI will be involved. If you are facing federal charges for defrauding over the internet, expect to hire an internet crimes defense lawyer. Call us today at 212-577-6677 for more information on your legal options.
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