Cash for Clunkers Scams Abound
Aug/091
As the Senate debates an extension of the cash for clunkers program, public awareness of cash for clunkers is at its peak.
That is why law enforcement has been warning since late last week that people should be alert to cash for clunkers scams.
Several state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission have issued statements warning about web sites that claim to allow consumers to pre-register for the cash for clunkers program. The registration forms on some of these sites ask for Social Security numbers and other personal information.
Cars.gov, operated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the only web site affiliated with the cash for clunkers program. And no pre-registration is required for consumers to participate.
The other sites, that claim to be taking pre-registration, are likely to be controlled by identity thieves and other fraudsters, according to the FTC.
The Afflicter did a quick search for some scam cash for clunkers sites and didn’t immediately find any. They appear not to be ranking highly in Google search results.
In case anyone is still confused by one of these sites, it’s worth noting that Cash for Clunkers is not the official name of the program. Cars.gov refers to the program as the Car Allowance Rebate System, or CARS.
For those who haven’t been following it, CARS or cash for clunkers, is providing credits of up to $4,500 for consumers who trade in gas guzzling cars for more fuel efficient ones. The program, which started last month, is on pace to soon burn through its initial $1 billion in funding. The Senate is debating adding another $2 billion.
