Police: Non-resident victims lost $ 40,000
The Boerne Police Department is investigating reports involving multiple out-of-town victims who lost nearly $40,000 via online payments to a suspected bogus car dealership.
Investigators said a purported business targeting auto buyers is falsely advertising high-end luxury vehicles for sale online and is using the address of a shuttered Boerne dealership on its website.
Officers said they have confirmed with the real property owner the Boerne location is only an auto body and detailing shop, not a car dealership, nor does it have any affiliation with the online sellers.
According to investigators, the website associated with the business being probed urges buyers to purchase from more than 40 vehicles on site, while also listing a bevy of technicians and claiming to have hundreds of happy customers.
The autos listed on the site include several high-end models ranging in price from $44,000 to $104,000, investigators said. Eight individuals are listed on the website as general manager, sales specialists, logistics department coordinator, accounting, finance and service department employees, police said.
Officers said because none of the victims who lost money are from Boerne, they are working to connect them with the appropriate, jurisdictional law enforcement agencies.
“We encourage the public to stay alert and verify the legitimacy of online sellers before making large purchases,” a Boerne police news release noted.
Other suggestions from the Police Department include:
• Avoid sending large payments upfront, especially wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards, which are commonly used in scams.
• Verify the business independently. Look up the company using a phone number or website you find on your own, not the one provided by the seller.
• Be cautious of online sales. If a deal seems unusually good or the person you’re doing business with pressures you to act quickly, pause and double-check.
For more information, contact BPD at 830-249-7373.
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