California man scammed out of $24,000 by fake Connecticut classic car dealer

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A California man was scammed out of $24,000 after purchasing a car from a fake Connecticut classic car dealer online, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Dale Frye told the BBB he found a 1934 Ford Cabriolet on what he thought was a legitimate classic car dealer, Auto Store CT Quality Used Cars, in West Hartford. He said he paid $24,000 for the car, including shipping.

When Frye wired the money, the bank pointed out that the money was being sent to Texas instead of Connecticut, which was a red flag, according to the BBB. The teller mentioned that it is not uncommon for companies to have banks out of state.

When the car never arrived at his home in California, calls to the so-called dealer went unanswered, and Frye flew to Connecticut only to find a vacant business. The business owner next door told News 8 it’s been empty.

Frye knew he had been scammed and reported it to the BBB.

“To anybody else that’s looking for a car, a class car — whatever it takes, go look at the car first,” Frye said. “Actually, physically touch the car. Don’t do like I did.”

The West Hartford Police Department and the BBB are investigating the scam. So far, the BBB has discovered that the business Auto Store CT, LLC, which was once located at the address, has not filed an annual report in the state in two years.

According to the BBB, virtual vehicle vendor scam reports increased last year, targeting high-end classic car buyers.

“Earlier this year, BBB actually put out a nationwide study in virtual vehicle sales — sales of cars on the internet — and they’ve really been skyrocketing since the pandemic since people were doing more business online,” said Kristen Johnson with the BBB in Connecticut.

The BBB shared tips for those looking at cars online.

• View the car in person if possible (or send someone you trust)
• Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices
• Opt for vehicle pick up (instead of delivery)
• Resist high-pressure sales tactics

For more information on virtual car scams, click here .

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