Police: Scammers Set up Fake Website for Auto Center Supposedly in Decatur

Scammers have set up a fake auto dealer website that claims to represent a Decatur business, possibly as a way to steal viewers’ identities, warns the Decatur Police Deparment.

Authorities received a report of what appears to be a fraudulent website on Wednesday, said Sgt. Jennifer S. Ross with the Decatur Police Department. The website, http://dealerplatform.com/autocenter/, claims its auto center is located at 700 Commerce Drive in Decatur, but that address does not exist.

The site offers an online finance application and once approved viewers are told to go to the auto center to complete their vehicle purchase. The purpose behind the site may be to obtain the personal information required to complete the online finance application, police said, which puts users at risk for identity fraud.

Ross urged residents to use caution when completing online applications and confirm the physical location of a business. The best practice is to complete finance paperwork upon visiting the seller.

For more information on fraud prevention and scam alerts, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.