‘It’s devastating’: New scam targets vintage car enthusiasts in Grand Strand

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Experts are warning vintage car lovers across the Grand Strand of a new scam costing victims thousands of dollars.

A new study from the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas shows more people reported virtual car scams in 2023 than in any past year.

It received nearly 700 reports nationwide, and the scam is making its way into Horry County.

Data shows scammers are using fake photos to post cars for sale. Many of the cars are vintage and listed at what car experts say is a great price.

“People get caught up in the looks. If it looks pretty, I’ll buy it,” car enthusiast, Bob Day, said.

Nicole Cordero, a spokesperson for the BBB of Eastern Carolinas, said scammers make the posts on legitimate sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

She said the fake sellers will even send links that make the scheme seem even more real.

“What they do mention in our area is that they’re being sent a link to purchase a fake history report on the vehicle. So, a fake link to a fake website,” Cordero stated.

She said in Horry County, there are even cases of scammers asking victims to buy the car’s history report to get the scam started.

But in the end, the car doesn’t even exist.

However, some people send money before looking at the car in person. That means the scammer gets a huge payday and sometimes the car buyer’s personal information.

Day said that’s not how it works and buying a vintage car is not that simple.

“It’s quite a detailed process. Some of the other car sale places may not go into quite as much detail, but most of them will provide at least some type of background, and that’s going to add to the value of the car,” Day said.

He added that this new scam is hurting the vintage car industry.

“It’s devastating to the hobby,” Day said.

To make sure people don’t fall victim to this new scheme, Cordero encourages people to verify that the car is real by asking to see the car in person before sending money over.

And both Cordero and Day said if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is and you shouldn’t send over any personal information or money.

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