Scammers and some dealers are using the Cash for Clunkers program to steal consumers' name, address and social security number by having them "register" for the program online
Dealers are the only ones who have to register for the program, which hasn't even been signed into law yet
Scammers Use Cash For Clunkers to Steal Your Info
By Liz Opsitnik Wednesday, Jun 24 2009 10:07
Joining the list of mortgage scams and employment scams is a Cash for Clunkers scam. Criminals and some less-than-honest car dealers are using the program to steal consumers’ personal information, CNN Money reports.
The legislation is currently awaiting Obama’s signature, so it technically isn’t even a bill yet. Plus, once it’s signed into law, it will take about a month for the program to go into effect.
In the mean time, scammers are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers by using fake Cash for Clunkers Web sites to ask them to provide their name, address and social security number to “register” for the program so they can take advantage of the rebate.
Consumers do not have to register for the "CARS" program (Cash for Clunkers) to take advantage of the rebate and trade-in their clunker.
Patricia Swift-Oladeinde, a spokeswoman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said that other Web sites tell consumers they will put them in touch with authorized Cash for Clunkers dealers in their area.
The way the program will actually work once it’s signed into law is having car dealers register to participate in the program. Consumers who qualify to trade-in their clunker will simply go to the dealer and purchase a new car. The consumer will receive a $3,500 to $4,500 incentive toward their new vehicle. The dealer will then be reimbursed by the government.
NHTSA recently started an official Web site for the program at www.CARS.gov to inform consumers and dealers about the program. There is also an information hotline at 888-327-4236. CNN Money reports that if the Web site refers to the program as “Cash for Clunkers”, this is how you know it’s fake. The new, official program name is the “Car Allowance Rebate System”.
It's sad that people are already being taken advantage of by cash for clunkers scams. This just emphasizes how careful consumers need to be these days with personal information.
Cash for Clunkers worked I read in Germany, car sales jumped 24%. Now I'm not sure this is 100% the same, but if car sales move 10%, the whole attitude of the industry changes, New cars will move, auto loan companies will hopefully ease the auto loan requirements. My fingers are crossed this works.
They should take people like this and treat them like those cheaters on the movie Casino. Take them in the back room after cattle prodding them and just go to work on their joints with a hammer.
Comment By: CarCzar313 on Wed, Jul 1 2009 at 5:31 PM
Most people driving these cars will not qualify for credit. There is still much GREY AREA about stipulations in this bill. Until the banks and finance companies loosen up their requirements the US auto industry will remain stalled. IT'S NOT THE CARS, IT'S NOT THE DEALERS, IT'S THE MONEY!
couldn't agree more carczar313. they shouldn't just give auto loans to anyone with a pulse, but they need to start the loans flowing again so people who need to buy a car can.
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