Task force warns of vehicle sale scams on social media

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) — The St. Louis Consumer Fraud Task Force is warning consumers to be cautious of online vehicle sale scams that continue to target buyers through fake websites and social media listings.

Officials said fraudsters often advertise farm machinery, boats, RVs, motorcycles and classic cars at attractive prices, then create fake business names or mimic legitimate websites to appear credible. Victims typically pay thousands — sometimes tens of thousands of dollars — for vehicles that never arrive.

A study released earlier this year by the Better Business Bureau reported hundreds of such scams in recent years, with financial losses mounting across the country.

The task force urged consumers to research sellers carefully and verify websites before making purchases.