IADA fielded a consumer complaint last week from an out-of-state consumer who felt he was getting the runaround from an Iowa dealer. An internet search had led him to the discovery of precisely the vehicle he was looking for, but he became suspicious because the dealer was anxious to accept his large deposit but reluctant to arrange fora test drive. Further investigation revealed that the dealer website he had found was a fraudulent clone of a real dealership website. He was in fact communicating with a scammer and not the dealer who had no idea that there was a fraudulent website with his dealership’s name and inventory on it. Takeaways: Monitor the internet frequently to check your online reputation, including searching for websites using your dealership’s brand or identity. If you see anything suspicious, contact PA DOT’s Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection or the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division at 717-787-3391 or http://www.attorneygeneral.gov Stay tuned for further details and the exciting reveal of our special guests who will be joining us to make this year’s GLVADA Cup unforgettable! SAVE THE DATE September 23 at The Steel Club http://GLVADA.ORG77
GLVADA
GLVADA and its member dealers are very active in the community, supporting area nonprofit organizations and programs that recognize and educate local automotive technology students. The goal of the association is to help consumers get the most from their experiences with the group’s member dealerships as well as do its part to help the communities where its members live and work.
