That dream car website might be a perfect fake.

What happened

On September 1, 2026, the FTC warned car shoppers about a new twist on an old con. Scammers copy a real dealer's website, often with AI. They clone the logos, the listings and the photos down to the last detail. Some even add fake customer reviews.

The bait tends to be rare muscle cars or hard to find classics. The sites walk you through a detailed buying process and promise easy returns so you relax. Then they ask you to pay up front.

The ending is ugly. People show up at the real dealership and learn it has never heard of their order, their payment or their car.

An FTC spokesperson said state law enforcement partners reached out in August after seeing more of these fake sites. Most victims paid by wire transfer. Once a wire goes out, getting that money back is close to impossible.

What it means for you

A website that looks real doesn't prove anything anymore. Even good reviews can fool you, because a clone of a real dealer can borrow that dealer's real reputation.

If you're rebuilding credit and hunting for a deal, you're a prime target. A price that seems too good, a rare car and pressure to pay fast is the classic combo.

What to do

• Search the dealer's name with words like "scam," "review" or "complaint."
• When you search, scroll past the sponsored results at the top.
• Ask to see the car and the dealership in person. If they won't let you, stop right there.
• Too far away? Hire an independent mobile inspection service before you pay anything.
• If they insist on wire transfer only, walk away.
• Report fake dealers at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Think you'd catch a fake? Test yourself with the scam-proof quiz at credora.co.

This post is general information, not legal advice. CredOra is not a law firm. Results vary and are not guaranteed.