TL;DR: On September 1, 2026 the FTC warned that scammers clone legitimate car dealer websites, using AI to copy logos, vehicle listings and photos. They advertise rare muscle cars or classic vehicles, describe a convincing purchase process and offer flexible returns. The FTC says to walk away if the seller insists on upfront payment by wire transfer only.
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What the FTC reported
In a consumer alert published September 1, 2026, the FTC Consumer Alerts described scammers who copy a real dealership's website, often with AI, matching its logos, listings and photos. The cloned sites advertise rare muscle cars and hard-to-find classic vehicles at tempting prices.
To seem credible, the fake sellers spell out the purchase process and offer flexible return policies. The FTC notes that these reassuring details can be invented.
Red flags
- A rare or classic car listed by an unfamiliar dealer.
- A refusal to let you see the car or the dealership in person.
- An insistence on upfront payment by wire transfer only.
How to protect yourself
The FTC suggests searching the dealer's name along with words such as scam, review or complaint. Ask to view the vehicle in person, and for a distant purchase hire a mobile inspection service. A seller who refuses either request is giving you a warning sign.
Wire transfers are hard to reverse, which is why scammers prefer them. Our guides on how to reverse a wire transfer scam and how to recover wire scam money explain how little room there is once the money leaves. For a related fraud pattern in business payments, see business email compromise statistics for 2026.
Where to report
Report suspected dealer scams at FTC ReportFraud. If you sent a wire, call your bank immediately and file a complaint with FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). See what to do after a scam, wherever you live for the full sequence of steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do scammers clone dealership websites?
According to the FTC, they copy a real dealer's site, often using AI, including its brand logos, vehicle listings and photos.
What cars do these fake sites advertise?
The FTC says they advertise rare muscle cars or hard-to-find classic vehicles.
What is the biggest warning sign?
The FTC advises walking away if the dealer insists on upfront payment by wire transfer only.
How can I verify a dealer?
Search the dealer name with terms like scam, review or complaint, and ask to see the vehicle in person or hire a mobile inspection service.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Alert: Scammers are spoofing car dealership websites (Sep 1, 2026)
- FTC ReportFraud
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
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- Georgia Woman Sentenced After a $158,000 Vendor-Impersonation Email Scam
- US Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live