AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The Better Business Bureau of the Texas Panhandle and the Amarillo Police Department has issued a warning about a company who claims to be located in Amarillo.
The BBB said over 1,000 inquiries have been made about the company, auto-mall-inc.com, six complaints have been filed with the bureau.
"An unusual amount of increased traffic to this report has caused us concern," said Janna Kiehl, BBB CEO.
According to a release issued by the BBB, the company sells re-possessed vehicles at unusually low prices. People who have filed the complaints alleged they have sent thousands of dollars to the company but have not received the vehicle as promised. Consumers also complain about not being able to speak directly with the company.
ProNews 7 called the number listed on the website, we got a recording which told us operators were busy and to contact the company through their online email system. We have emailed the company asking when consumers who purchased vehicles through the site can expect to receive them or if the company plans on issuing rebates, our emails have not yet been returned.
The BBB also pointed out that the company's inability to complete online transactions and the fact they don't accept credit cards, only wire transfers, is also a red flag.
"We are working with law enforcement including the Amarillo Police Department who has also fielded numerous calls pertaining to this website," said Kiehl. "We want to do everything we can to protect consumers and businesses who are victims of these types of aggressive tactics."
Amarillo Police have visited the address listed for the company, 2301 E. 10th in Amarillo, but found auto-mall-inc is not located at that address.
The BBB also wants to point out that this company Auto Mall in Amarillo is not related or otherwise affiliated with auto-mall-inc.com. In fact an entirely different, unrelated business is at that address, said Kiehl.
"We believe the online company has 'hijacked' or stolen the location and name in order to appear legit."
The BBB has given the auto-mall-inc.com an F rating, click here to see the full report. The BBB also offered up these tips to follow when shopping for a car online.
· Search bbb.org for trustworthy businesses.
· Ask for a contract in writing and review it carefully before sending any money.
· All promises should be in writing and included in the contract.
· Pay with a credit card whenever possible.
· If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your common sense!
