Carlookup.com Scam Vehicle History Reports: Don’t Fall For It!
You must have probably come across Carlookup.com promo offer of vehicle history reports for just $1. Beware! It’s not as legit as it seems. There have been reports and complaints that the site sends a fake report, and then traps users in a monthly subscription charge.
We’ll be writing a short review on Carlookup.com, how the scam actually works, Red flags, and proactive measures to take to stop the charge.
We’ll also share tips on how to avoid similar vehicle history reports scam.
Carlookup.com Scam: How It Actually Works
Carlookup.com which claims to be a US Vehicle History Reports website lures buyers with Popup Ads that says ‘Completely Free’. When people proceed to check their vehicle history reports, they get told to submit their credit card details for a $1 payment.
This is where the scam comes in. Once the credit card information is submitted, carlookup.com charges not just $1 but subsequent charges of $29. It then sends fake vehicle history report that don’t correspond with the vehicle’s data.
There are also complaints that the shady website goes as far as trying to wipe out money from the credit card by charging ridiculous high amounts.
What are The Red Flags of This Website?
To untrained eyes, carlookup.com may appear legit. However, it is undoubtedly a scam. Here are hidden red flags which we were able to discover when investigating the website.
- Its telephone number ‘1-800-935-0679’ isn’t available for calls
- The website hasn’t been operating for long. Who.is (a domain checker tool) shows the website was registered on July 2023.
- There’s no tangible information about the owner(s).
These redflags shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s a huge difference between how Carlookup.com operates and how Carfax.com works.
Other Ways Carlookup.com Might Scam You
Aside from displaying flashy Ads about cheap VIN, carlookup.com might use the services of a fake buyer to con you. This often happens when you put up your vehicle for sale online.
A potential buyer of your car may ask you to get your vehicle report from carlookup.com When you tell the buyer you already have a vehicle history report, he’d insist you should get another one from carlookup.com. The buyer might sound genuine and interested, but immediately you pay for the report on carlookup.com, he’d cease communication with you.
This is one very common pattern with fraudulent vehicle history report sites.
Steps To Take For Possible Refunds
The only way to get a refund from carlookup.com is to do the following;
- Report the fraudulent transaction to your credit card issuer
- request a chargeback
- Include supporting documents, such as copies of a receipt, invoice, and any communications you had with the merchant.
- Anticipate that the dispute can last up to 90 days or two billing cycles, whichever is shorter.
Real People Share Their Experience Using Carlookup.com
Sadly lots of people have been affected by this scam. These are some on the reviews;
Very dishonest and shady web outfit. Told me the report only costed a $1, but then charged me $29. No link available on the report to cancel the subscription. Called two of their phone numbers to cancel the subscription and only got recordings telling me to email the cancellation request.
Started off taking a 1$ months ago and then recently took 30$. Tried to dispute with chime but they declined. This site needs to be shutdown.
How To Cancel Carlookup.com Subscription Charges
Carlookup.com continues to charge users even after they’ve unsubcribed. Here’s how to completely stop the charges
- Tell your card issuer by phone, email or letter
- Provide evidence of the monthly charge
- Point out to the card issuer that they should follow the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance on unauthorised payments from your account.
- Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service helpline on 0300 123 9 123 or visit the website at: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk (if you live in UK).
Your card issuer has no right to insist that you ask the company taking the payment first. They have to stop the payments if you ask them to.
If you ask to stop a payment, the card issuer should investigate each case on its own merit.
How To Avoid Similar Vehicle History Reports Scam
Check Reputation of Vehicle History Report companies before using. You can do this by adding complaints reviews scam after the website’s name then search on the internet.
Use Known and Reputable Agencies – If your car is up for sale online you should got to genuine agencies and purchase a report yourself. (You might pay as little as $10 and up to $50 for a detailed report)
Offer your VIN report as an incentive as part of your ad. You’re more likely to attract serious buyers that way — and no scammer is likely to ask you for an alternative report
REFERENCES
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2018/10/steering-clear-vehicle-history-report-scams
See similar vehicle history scam here
