Just because there are scammers out there doesn’t mean that there are no legitimate companies in Chicago when it comes to car shipping. Learning more about the red flags and how to spot them in the industry will give you a more hassle-free experience and avoid the headaches that come with these shady operators.
Primary targets are often people who are in a rush to relocate their beloved cars at the cheapest price possible. They also have fake sites for sign-ups and bookings, and here are some things that you need to know about them. See more about spotting fraudulent websites on this page here.
Up-Sell Auto Transport Scams
Black-hat hackers may target those unsuspecting customers who want the cheapest deals possible. They are very polite and pleasant, and since moving to a new city will often involve being in a rush to have everything set up, you might be providing your payment details without doing a lot of research on the services that are being offered.
After the driver has picked up the automobile, they are going to inform you that there are significant price changes, and when you refuse to pay the additional charges, they will hold your asset as a bounty. In various cases, you might not even expect a delivery after you’ve completed paying for the inflated price.
Ghost Tracking System
Getting a series of legit-looking numbers may seem legitimate at first. You might even receive status and updates, but in reality, they are not going to transport anything at all, and they plan to steal your automobile. Others may even get a text that everything is ready for pick-up just to realize that there’s no one in sight.
What are the Signs?
- Cheap Quotes that are very Suspicious
These red flags may seem subtle at first, but it’s important to stay vigilant and watch out for them. If a company offers an unusually low price compared to other quotes you’ve received, if they are too good to be true, it often indicates hidden fees or subpar service. Read info about these different charges at this link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/hidden-charges-when-shopping.
- High Starting Costs
Brokers demand upfront payment in full before they have even transported your vehicle, and while a deposit upfront is often required, it could be too much of an amount. After you’ve paid, they will run away with the money and never contact you again.
- Sketchy Online Presence
Be wary of companies that lack transparency or provide vague information about their services. Legitimate ones will readily provide details about insurance coverage, expected delivery times, and any additional fees, and if one of their representatives seems evasive or hesitant when answering your questions, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Pay attention to online reviews and ratings for the company you’re considering, and when you see that there are numerous complaints about lost vehicles or damaged cars during transportation, it may indicate an unreliable or fraudulent operation.
How to Avoid These Scams
Educating yourself about the shipping processes of cars in Chicago is the first thing that you need to do. Be familiar with the cross-country or interstate routes, and you’ll have an idea about what’s normal. Check the FMCSA database for all the accredited companies in the US, and if what you’re considering isn’t there, it’s best to search elsewhere.
Only pay through traceable methods and avoid gift cards as much as possible. Unconventional payments are only used by scammers, so don’t let them threaten or strong-arm you into paying. Bullying or scaring you so you can hand out your hard-earned money to them is a sure sign of a scam.
Don’t panic, and be calm when you realize that you’ve been a victim of a scam. Gather all the information, like the texts, receipts, and other kinds of communication that you received from them, and report them to the Federal Trade Commission. Tell your bank about the wire transfer or the credit card transaction and reverse them as soon as possible. Also, leave a review and tell others about the modus of these scammers to avoid someone else from falling victim to them.
Tips for Finding a Reputable Company
Narrow down your options among the huge selections of carriers, and check for their qualifications. Learn more about the process of car transport companies in Chicago, the drivers that work for them, and if they have additional services. Their pricing should be competitive and at a fair market price, and they should offer door-to-door or car pick-up at a reasonable cost.
Safety measures and other precautions should be in place, and more importantly, they should have an excellent reputation online. With their easy-to-navigate sites, portfolios, add-ons, and same-day services, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands if they can provide you with complete information.
