Please note: Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program is not selling cars via AutoTrader. Anyone that purports to be a representative of Habitat for Humanity on AutoTrader.com is a scam artist. For any and all dealings with the Cars for Homes program please only use the links found on the official Cars for Homes page.
AutoTrader.com is an online marketplace for selling new, used, and certified cars. The scam artist that is currently representing himself or herself fraudulently, posts various cars for sale, with no mention in the listing of Habitat for Humanity. Further inquiries about the vehicle listing provide the perspective buyer fraudulent information about Habitat for Humanity being the owner of the car, even sending a false invoice with fraudulent bank information payment details.
Sample fraudulent invoice that Cars for Homes obtained:
This seller uses multiple emails, stolen bank accounts, and fraudulent personal information to create a large scale scam. Any potential AutoTrader.com user should be aware that Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program is not selling cars on AutoTrader.com, nor should any person pretending to be a representative for Cars for Homes on AutoTrader.com be trusted.
Cars for Homes is an amazing program dedicated to changing the lives of millions, through building and rehabilitating houses for families in need. Cars for Homes’ vehicle donation program is working to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in your community and worldwide. The funds raised by the car donation program directly benefit your local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate, helping build and refurbish homes in your area. For more information on how it works visit this page. The AutoTrader scam on the Cars for Homes program is a detriment to the families who rely on the hope of a better life through Habitat for Humanity’s program and hopes that buyers are aware and avoid this scam.
How to donate safely:
Visit the Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes page at www.carsforhomes.org, through the habitat.org main site or through the vehicle donation page Cars for Homes Vehicle Donation Page.
From AutoTrader.com:
Steps to take if you believe you may be the victim of fraud:
Step 1: If you are the victim of a scam, please email us with as much information about your particular situation as possible.
Step 2: Forward any suspicious emails to us immediately at fraudwatch@autotrader.com. To speak directly to a Fraud Watch Customer Service Representative, Call 1-877-742-8040 (Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.).
Step 3: File a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center to inform federal and state law enforcement agencies. We strongly recommend that you report fraud to local law enforcement as well.