This group has gone to a great deal of work to make the website look real and legitimate. They have real VIN numbers with carfax reports with their business name listed as an auction broker.
The tip off is the too good to be true prices and no one answers the phone number. When I inquired about a vehicle they didn't give the information that I asked. The pictures were taken from a variety of locations which was suspicious.
When I checked with the BBB I found that they had been in business since 2006. Every thing appeared to be legitimate.
The last and biggest red flag was the "Payment Tips":
IMPORTANT UPDATE: There are many legal ways to avoid paying sales tax, most of which have to do with loopholes and little known laws. You should know that, since you are sending the MoneyGram deposit customer to customer, sales tax is never required. For this reason we ask you to send the deposit in the name of one of our sales agent and never in the name of our company. It is a legal trick often used by dealerships in order to keep the prices low and the customer happy. Now an important advice: Since some of the MoneyGram agents are overzealous, they report the transaction to the IRS. You will probably be asked when sending the MoneyGram transfer for what purpose are you sending money. You should NEVER say that it is for a vehicle purchase. You must ALWAYS say the money is for a friend or a relative. If you are going to declare the real purpose of the payment, you will be charged the sales tax and the delivery of the vehicle will be delayed with at least 20 days. REMEMBER: NEVER DECLARE AT THE MONEYGRAM AGENT THAT THE PAYMENT IS FOR A CAR.
Any legitimate business will not try to get you to scam the tax system. And not sending to the business name!!!
From the BBB link the real "Spirit Auto Brokers" website link is listed http://spiritautobrokers.Us
When investigating the proposed purpose the following was sent for payment instructions:
3) Make the payment with cash using the following Spirit Auto Brokers, Inc. Payments representative information:
First Name: Ruben
Last Name: Adams
Address: 127 SW 7th Ave.
City - State: Fort Lauderdale, FL Zip: 33312 Country: United States
4) After you complete the transfer, fax Spirit Auto Brokers, Inc. At (708) 486-7100 or (888) 258-8937 the following: - Money Gram receipt (s) - Confirm Shipping Address
The fax number is the tip-off it is not a Florida Address and is listed in several consumer complaintss.
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