Thinking of buying a car online? The FBI and eBay are warning car shoppers about criminals listing cars at rock-bottom prices, making up sad stories about why they need to sell so low and assuring buyers that the eBay “Vehicle Purchase Protection” will cover the buyer if there are any problems.

Of course, that’s not how the deal goes down. Instead, shoppers are enticed to send their payment via Western Union or Moneygram. Do that, and a crook will be driving away with your cash. Sources tell me that many of these schemes are run out of Romania and despite hundreds of arrests, the fraud continues.

Wire transfer scams take many forms, but always end up with someone’s money disappearing. Bottom line: Don’t wire money to someone who offers to sell you something or buy something from you, especially if you encountered that person online.

FBI alert 

eBay warning