A Message on Deceptive Emails and Websites
Spoof emails are a growing trend on the Web. Protect yourself against fraud and know how to spot a spoof.

What are spoof emails?
Have HRAutoNetwork.com customers received spoof emails?
How can I spot a spoof email?
What should I do if I receive a suspicious email?
How can I learn more about Internet fraud?

What are spoof emails?  
Spoof emails are fake emails sent by spammers. These emails appear to be from a popular website or company and ask customers to disclose personal information—including the kind that can lead to identity theft. Senders of spoof emails often:

• Include a well-known company’s logo and email greeting.
• Use a fake email address that includes the company’s name.
• Provide links inside the email to a bogus website that appears to be legitimate.
• Request sensitive personal information, such as financial account information.
• Urge recipients to wire money or send payment.

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Have AutoTrader.com customers received spoof emails?
Spoof emails are a common problem for online services. Unfortunately, our company is not immune from this type of fraud. These spoof emails urge our sellers and buyers to:

• Complete the sale or purchase of a vehicle listed on our site.  
• Wire money for some type of bogus deposit.
• Reveal financial account information to the sender.
• Pay money to claim a bogus sweepstakes prize.

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How can I spot a spoof email?
Rule number one—use common sense. And keep in mind:

• If the email describes a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is.
• If an email that appears to come from HRAutoNetwork.com solicits a payment or financial account information, it’s a scam. We only ask for such info when you’re placing an ad on our website.
• If an email refers to some program or service that is not clearly described on our website, it’s probably a spoof.

You’ll be more likely to spot a spoof email if you know what we do and don’t do on our website:

We don’t get involved in transactions between buyers and sellers.  We’ll never send you email urging you to complete the sale or purchase of a vehicle listed on our site. We won’t ask you for a deposit or for information about how you intend to pay for a vehicle.

We don’t verify information about buyers or sellers. We won’t send email assuring you that a transaction is secure or that we've verified information about a particular buyer, seller or listing. Watch out for spoof emails that describe so-called “preferred” or “pre-approved” buyer or seller programs. We don’t offer such programs.

We don’t offer escrow services. We’re not affiliated with nor do we endorse any escrow services. Avoid any escrow website that states or implies that it’s affiliated with us.

We don’t warehouse or ship vehicles for sellers. We’ll never ask you for a deposit or payment for the purchase or shipment of a vehicle supposedly stored in an HRAutoNetwork.com warehouse—it doesn’t exist!

We don’t require payment to enter a sweepstakes or claim a prize. From time to time, we may offer promotional contests. But we’ll never require you to pay any money or reveal financial account information to enter a contest or receive a prize.  

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What should I do if I receive a suspicious email?
If you receive a suspicious email that appears to come from HRAutoNetwork.com:

• Don’t just delete it! Report it to us first.
• Forward any suspicious email message you receive to support@hrautonetwork.com .
• Don’t change the subject line or send it as an attachment—doing so could hamper our investigation.

If you’ve been targeted by a spoof email or other form of online fraud, you can also bring it to the attention of federal and state law enforcement agencies by filing a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center.

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How can I learn more about Internet fraud?
We’ve included some additional resources below:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
Types of Fraud
Press Release – FTC Warns Consumers about “Check Overpayment” Scams
Consumer Alert – Check Overpayment Scams: Seller Beware

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC):
Special Report on Fraud

Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC):
Internet Fraud Preventive Measures

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Common-Sense Advice for Buyers
Buying a car you find online is a lot like buying a car through a classified ad in the newspaper. Use the same good judgment on HRAutoNetwork.com. Whether you’re communicating with the seller over the phone or via the Internet, the following tips can help you protect yourself against fraud so you can buy with confidence.

Inspect the car. Schedule an inspection with a professional mechanic. Though an inspection isn't a warranty and there is no guarantee that all existing defects will be found, a qualified mechanic can help you identify and avoid problems. 

Know the car’s market value. Be suspicious if you see a vehicle that is priced significantly below market value. This can be an indicator of fraudulent activity.

Obtain a vehicle history report. A vehicle history report can provide useful information, such as title information and whether it has ever been salvaged, damaged or reported stolen.  

Confirm contact information. Before you send payment, verify the seller’s address and phone number. An email address is not enough. If the seller’s address does not match the one on the title, be sure you know why. Be particularly wary if the buyer is located overseas.

Get a detailed receipt. Ask the seller for a detailed receipt that states whether the vehicle is being sold with a warranty or "as is." Know what's required in your state to transfer the car’s title from seller to buyer.

Consider reliable escrow services. For additional security, you may choose to use a dependable escrow service. Shop carefully—there are an increasing number of fake escrow services. Don’t turn your money over until you’ve fully checked the service out. And be sure you understand all terms of the escrow arrangement. As previously mentioned, HRAutoNetwork.com does not endorse any escrow services.

View Our Tips for Sellers