The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to illegally profit from the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program offering rebates for people who trade in old gas-guzzlers to buy or lease new, more fuel efficient vehicles.
According to the FTC, the scammers are operating through bogus “Cash for Clunkers” Web sites falsely claiming that consumers must “register” for the rebate program. These bogus Web sites ask for the victims’ personal information, including their name, address, and Social Security number – the key items used to commit identity theft and other acts of financial fraud.
The only official government Web site dedicated to the “Cash for Clunkers” program – officially called CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) – is www.cars.gov, which does not ask for any personal information. The FTC recommends that consumers who encounter a “Cash for Clunkers” Web site that encourages them to disclose personal information should report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov, or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
For more details about the “Cash for Clunkers” program, see Environment Guide Larry West’s How Does the Cash for Clunkers Program Work?, where you will find many answers and no questions.
Cash for Clunkers Suspended: Environment Guide Larry West reports that the government has suspended the "Cash for Clunkers" program after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the program was running out of money far sooner than expected.
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FTC Halts Bogus Cancer Cures
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