Cash for clunkers scams proliferate

“According to a new consumer alert from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, people should be on the lookout for so-called “cash for clunker” Web sites that ask for personal information – including name, address, and Social Security number – that they claim is necessary to “register” for the program. The scam artists behind these sites are phishing for personal information that can be used to commit identity theft and other frauds.

While many Web sites provide details about the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program, there is only one official government site – www.cars.gov – and it does not ask for personal information. The FTC says consumers who come across a “cash for clunkers” Web site that encourages them to disclose personal information should report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov, or 1-877-FTC-HELP.

The consumer alert, Steer Clear of “Cash for Clunkers” Scams, is at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt174.shtm ”

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Tags: clunkers, FTC, government program, Linkedin