Better Business Bureau: Online classic car seller with local name trying to take buyers for a ride

The Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland has received numerous inquiries and a Scam Tracker report about a locally based online vehicle dealership specializing in collectors' vehicles. Amherst Classic Cars claims to be at a South Dewey Road address in Amherst, and consumers reported they tried to buy classic cars from online listings posted by the company on Facebook and its website. These consumers were asked to wire money for vehicles, but became suspicious when the seller could not provide details or schedule timely appointments to see vehicles for sale. One report was made when a New Mexico woman contacted the BBB after she became suspicious of a transaction for a "pristine" black 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS for $29,253, including shipping, with extremely low mileage. The woman was helping family members buy the car from Amherst Classic Cars but became leery after they were provided a generic-looking company invoice and instructions to wire the full amount of money directly to a Citibank account based in Illinois and not Ohio. The seller was also unable to answer questions regarding details about the vehicle, according to the BBB. The buyer then contacted the BBB, and was advised it was a scam. A business located at the same address as Amherst Classic Cars confirmed that Amherst Classic Cars used to exist but has been "out of business for years," the BBB reported. This business also reported to the BBB they have received many calls and visitors looking for Amherst Classic Cars and have advised consumers to stop calling or visiting. Amherst Classic Cars' website domain was created on July 8 using a Lithuanian-based registrar. Ownership of the website is concealed by a third-party privacy service. A reverse image search of some of the car listings found on Amherst Classic Car's webpage found they were pulled from other online listings and videos, primarily from a Sheridan, Colorado-based car dealership. The BBB contacted the domain registrar for Amherst Classic Car's website and informed it of customer concerns. The website is now deactivated but the Facebook page is still active. Consumers with concerns about Amherst Classic Cars should file a complaint with the BBB, consult with an attorney and/or contact the Ohio attorney general's office at (800) 282-0515. The BBB recommends that when buying a car online, consumers should deal locally and in person, never wire money or send gift cards, don't purchase vehicles sight unseen and beware of liens on the vehicle's title. To report scams, regardless of whether or not they have lost money, to BBB.org/ScamTracker. These reports can help others avoid falling victim to fraud.