FTC Warns of Scammers Cloning Car Dealership Websites
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning that scammers are cloning car dealership websites. This trend, reported by WISH-TV, is a concern for consumers in the Indianapolis area.
Indianapolis, IN, September 3, 2026 —
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a consumer alert regarding a growing trend where scammers are cloning legitimate car dealership websites. This deceptive practice poses a significant risk to consumers seeking to purchase vehicles.
The warning, specifically highlighted by WISH-TV, points to a concerning pattern of fraudulent online activity targeting individuals in the Indianapolis area. By creating exact replicas of established dealership sites, these scammers aim to trick consumers into believing they are interacting with authorized sellers.
These fake websites often mimic the branding, logos, and even the inventory listings of real car dealerships. Consumers may be lured in by seemingly attractive deals or financing offers, only to be asked for personal information, deposits, or even full payment for vehicles that do not exist or that the scammers have no intention of providing.
The FTC’s alert serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to exercise caution when browsing for vehicles online. It is recommended that individuals verify the authenticity of car dealership websites before sharing any sensitive personal or financial information. Checking for secure website connections (HTTPS), reviewing the website’s URL for subtle differences from the official site, and cross-referencing information with the dealership directly are important steps.
The full extent of this scam’s impact, including the number of affected consumers or dealerships, has not been detailed in the initial reports. The FTC encourages consumers who believe they may have encountered a fraudulent website or fallen victim to such a scam to report it to the commission.
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