Originally published June 24, 2009 at 8:25 AM | Page modified June 24, 2009 at 8:55 AM

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Unofficial 'cash for clunkers' Web sites are running scams

The government is warning consumers to be wary of unofficial "cash for clunkers" Web sites that seek personal information or direct consumers to pre-register for the program.

Ford to get $6B loans for creating fuel-saving autos

WASHINGTON —

The government is warning consumers to be wary of unofficial "cash for clunkers" Web sites that seek personal information or direct consumers to pre-register for the program.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says dealers and consumers do not need to pre-register for the program, which provides $3,500 to $4,500 to people who trade in gas-guzzling clunkers for a new vehicle.

Traffic safety spokesman Rae Tyson says the government has an official site for the program at http://www.cars.gov.

Tyson says some Web sites have offered pre-approval sections that request a consumer's Social Security number and other personal information.

The traffic safety administration has given information about these unofficial sites to the Justice Department's Internet Fraud division.

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Comments (81)

I can see why the auto industry would love anything that subsidizes new car purchases, and I can see why people who focus solely on the economy... Posted on May 13, 2009 at 10:45 PM by the sherm. Jump to comment

I hope this bill is thought out to eliminate unintended consequences. Even my eighteen-year-old figured this out in less than 1 minute.... Posted on May 13, 2009 at 6:17 PM by YesWeCan. Jump to comment

I guess the comment system doesn't like less than signs. Anyway, the entire supply of cheap cars would suddenly be artificially jacked up... Posted on May 13, 2009 at 6:35 PM by Mike Garrison. Jump to comment

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