Description

We believe we have been victimized by an online Auction Scam that was listed on FaceBook connected to a company website. After looking extensively for an Airstream Travel Trailer to purchase, a search brought us to Clean View Spire (CVS) Motors at https://cvsmotors.com (located according to their website at 1201 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402 Phone 253-683-8443, email [email protected]). This is a well-developed website and displayed 4-5 vehicles that were in the process of being auctioned and about 25 vehicles that were listed as "auction ended". On their home page they claimed "Explore our extensive inventory of repossessed vehicles at CVS Motors. Our user-friendly search helps you find the perfect car, boat or RV to match your needs and budget." My wife and I did our due diligence and searched scam alert sites and the Better Business Bureau to see if there were any complaints or cautions concerning this company (CVS Motors). We found none and many of the websites actually had glowing and supportive comments about the performance of this company. Then on 2 August we found an Airstream Travel Trailer that had been “repossessed" according to the CVS Website. The bidding price was very low compared to other commercial dealer prices, so we bid at $100 above the current bid price. Two days later on 4 August when the auction for that item expired, we received an email from CVS Motors declaring that we had won the auction. We received a phone call from CVS Motors (253-683-8443) to inform us that we had 24hours to remit payment via wire transfer and this was also sent in an email. We then were given a payment link (https://cvsmotors.com/checkout/?pay-auction=29675) to begin the payment process. CVS Motors then provided a separate email with a.pdf file invoice detailing the purchase, providing the VIN#, and wire transfer instructions to a real bank (Truist Bank, 212 E Atlantic St, South Hill, VA 23970) and a beneficiary account number for "King Vision Consulting LLC, 10306 Eaton Pl Suite 300, Fairfax, VA22030". To continue our due diligence, we contacted our bank and verified that the Truist Bank account provided was real and could be used to transfer money to. We then received confirmation emails that the order was under review "To ensure a secure transaction process, we need to manually review and confirm your order request. This standard procedure helps protect both buyers and Clean View Spire Motors." After that we received the .pdf file with wire transfer instructions to make payment. Next they requested via email that we provide them with a confirmation copy of the wire transfer that we initiated through USAA Banks. After sending the wire transfer confirmation, we then received an email saying "payment received". One day later, we received an email that CVS Motors had scheduled delivery and “We will provide you with the details and tracking information soon." I contacted CVS Motors later that day on the phone to confirm that the vehicle title and bill of sale would accompany the delivery of the Travel Trailer. I also asked about payment to the transportation company and was instructed to pay them with cash or check upon arrival with the Travel Trailer and title documentation. After three more business days I attempted to contact CVS Motors for the order status and the number we had been using was no longer in service according to Verizon Wireless. I have sent 3 emails to them with no response inquiring. Suspecting that we had fell victim to an Auction Scam, I then contacted my bank to initiate a wire transfer recall request and the bank has confirmed initiation of that action. On 16 August the Clean View Spire Motors website was taken down. It resurfaced less than 24 hours later under the name Cars Plus Motors using the same website format and content, with the same client testimonials from CVS Motors. The headquarters for this fake auction scam company is listed as being in Desoto, TX, versus Tacoma, WA. New phone numbers and email addresses are provided. Found the “King Vision Consulting” website and it provided a rural address in South Hill, VA, the same township as where our wire transfer was sent to the Truist Bank branch located there.