ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany police are warning the public about an online car-sale scam after getting multiple reports from out-of-state buyers, including a Texas man who lost $25,000 in the scheme.

The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he found an ad listed online for Car Nation Auto Sales in Albany for a classic Chevy Camaro with white stripes.

“We started the conversation. Everything was going pretty smoothly. Again, it’s very sophisticated. They do their homework so far as horsepower, engine size, transmission, just different details about the vehicle. This gentleman knew. He was very knowledgeable in it,” the man said.

Wire transfer sent; car never delivered

According to a police report, the man sent a wire transfer of about $25,000 to the seller’s bank account on Oct. 7. He said he was told the car would arrive that Saturday. When it had not arrived by Monday, he tried to contact the seller, who had identified himself as Alex Miller. He said he eventually realized his number had been blocked.

“So what I did is I had one of my co-workers call the number and answer it immediately. So as he’s talking, I got on the phone and to his surprise, it’s me. And, oh, you know, ‘Mr. Blank, you know, been meaning to get a hold of you because of the hurricane. There was a delay. You’ll receive a car Wednesday.’ And I said, ‘Absolutely not. I want to go forward and see what I can do about getting a refund,’” the man said.

He says he never received a refund and contacted the Albany Police Department. Police say he was not the only victim, and all of the other victims were from out-of-state as well.

Listed address is an empty lot

The address listed online for Car Nation Auto Sales is an empty lot, not an operating car dealership. Investigators note that the original business has been closed for years, and alleged scammers used its name and online presence to make the fake listing appear legitimate.

APD Lieutenant Pritesh Patel said the scam likely extends beyond Albany.

“This is all probably nationwide and probably a global scam that’s going on. You know, use ways to identify the physical address of that car lot or that person. And as always, do a video call or try to inspect the items before you agree to purchase it. That would be a good preventative measure to take,” Patel said.

Albany police said because the reports were filed in the city, they’re investigating the case as a local crime and cooperating with other agencies. Police said anyone affected should immediately contact their bank, then police.

APD Investigator Kirsten Watson said time matters once money is sent.

“Just try to verify, because once you send that money to that person, that scammer is going to easily be able to collect that money faster than you can get it right,” Watson said.

Victim hopes for resolution

The Texas man said he believes checking with the Chamber of Commerce to confirm the dealership still existed would have prevented the loss, but he believes he can still get justice.

“I’m not a believer in karma, but I do believe that through prayer, you know, things will work out the way that they’re supposed to work out. But yes, I’m hoping that they’re caught. And hopefully, those that came before me, hopefully we can get, you know, something resolved,” he said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information, or anyone who thinks they may have fallen victim to this scam, is asked to contact the Albany Police Department.

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