Auto transport services are necessary in situations like moving from one state to another or even from one country to another. You can use their services even when you want to avoid using your car during a long trip.
But like any other industry, there are always car shipping companies out there whose primary aim is to rip off and scam customers. It’s important to be aware of these scams and learn how to protect yourself from them. This way you’ll save money, not waste time, and get the best experience ever.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Bait-and-Switch Pricing Scam
The bait-and-switch pricing scam remains one of the most common tricks used by car shipping scammers. This happens when they give you the lowest price you have ever seen in the market in the hopes that you will accept the quote.
Then they surprise you with a higher price once you have signed a contract or when your car is already with them. They offer very low prices to attract customers, and once you have made your order, they say other fees are needed because of some circumstances that were beyond their expectations.
Nevertheless, to dodge this rip-off, it is necessary to record all the terms and conditions in their written form. Ask for a comprehensive, written quotation that would list all the possible charges and costs. Do not consider an offer that you find to be too good compared to other offers that you have received. Discover more here https://www.9news.com.au/national/delivery-scams-in-australia-the-most-popular-swindle/480235f1-8ddc-42c3-8dc3-a09100412aa8.
Fake Reviews and False Advertising
A scam is also connected with fake reviews and false advertising. Some people deceive others by writing fake reviews about their companies in order to improve their reputation. That’s how they lure people into using their services or buying their products. These reviews can make a fraudulent company look like a trusted one and it can tempt you to do business with them right away.
If you want to protect yourself then you must do a lot of research on a particular company. Check experiences on different sites and don’t rely solely on the company’s website. Search for any complaints or issues in the BBB and other consumer protection organizations. Many truthful reviews have descriptions of actual experiences as opposed to fake reviews which are usually positive. Read more here.
Phantom Companies
Phantom companies are scams that pretend to transport cars but vanish as soon as they get your money or your automobile. Such companies may use false company names, temporary phone numbers, and may not have a real or fake address. Once they get what they want, they disappear and you cannot get in touch with them again.
In order not to be a victim of a phantom company, ensure you check the authenticity of the company. Verify their DOT and FMCSA license and registration.
Upfront Payment Scams
Avoid being attracted to companies asking for bulk deposits on services. As much as some amount of down payment is necessary, no genuine car shipping company should ask for full payment before shipping the car. With scammers, you risk being offered a deal in which they take your money and never offer the service in the first place or offer the service and then hold your car as ransom for additional money.
To avoid such Auto TransportScams, only deal with companies that have a clear payment model. Whenever feasible, pay through credit cards as it has more protection against fraudulent transactions than debit cards or wire transfers. If the company is adamant about a large payment upfront it is best to reject it and go in search of another service provider.
Cheap Quotes That Lead to Extortion
Some companies offer very low quotes with the aim of making you sign a contract with them despite their inability to provide the services at such prices. After getting your vehicle, they say there are hidden problems which require extra charges before they can release it. This is as good as blackmailing since you have no choice than to part with your money to have the car released to you.
Prevent this scam by being cautious when encountering offers with very low prices compared to others. It is advisable to go for a company that offers a slightly higher quote but has no hidden charges compared to the one with incredibly low rates. Make sure you get a clear rundown of prices and pay close attention to additional fees.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most common scams that people face every day. So, if you want to prevent this from happening to you, please be careful about the company you hire to transport your car. Do enough research and ask for recommendations from people closest to you in order to make the right choice.