A company advertising itself as “AUTO Bay” in Craig’s List and Auto Trader, soliciting consumers for internet automobile purchases is a scam. AUTO Bay can be found on the web at URL: http://autosbay.net/. The physical address is listed as “4200 S Cheney in Spokane.” The listed address is for Storage Solutions, a legitimate storage rental company. The BBB contacted Storage Solutions about the listing and they claimed no affiliation with “AUTO Bay.” They had also received several calls from people all over the United States seeking to purchase vehicles from the phony company.
The website was created on 7/13/2011 and belongs to a Richard Resavy, PO Box 61359 Sunnyvale, CA, 94088. The regional BBB, located in San Jose, reported 18 reports with this address with no name matches.
Before purchasing a car or making an Internet purchase, the BBB recommends these tips:
Check every business with BBB. Not only do you want to research the Web site with the BBB, you also want to research the business that is offering the deal. Look for the BBB Accredited Business seal on both Web sites and only go with businesses that have a good rating with BBB.
Do not offer credit card or bank information. Scammers are quick to offer outrageous deals in exchange for your financial information. Once they have money, chances are you will never receive your product or service!
Major purchases require a contract. No contract, no deal. Cars and homes are among the most expensive purchases an average person makes. Such purchases require contracts (and often financing) to protect both the buyer and the seller. Do not make a major purchase without a legally binding contract.
Avoid major purchases over the Internet. A major purchase is one you will live with for a long time. Treat your buying decision with this in mind. In the case of a vehicle, research the vehicle identification number (VIN), test drive the car or truck, and inquire into the repair history and odometer accuracy if it is a used vehicle. Researching these items requires more information than the Internet can possibly provide.
Require physical evidence of products and businesses. It is very easy to create a website with a phony business offering non-existent products. Verify the physical existence of businesses and products before making a purchase (especially a major purchase).
