Likely web scam notice: webatrades.com

Looking for used cars on Craig's List, my girlfriend and I found what appears to be a classic web escrow auto scam: Web Auto Trades. An ad we responded to (a used Honda Accord at a surprisingly low price for the mileage) claimed to be using their service, which included a "five day guarantee" if you didn't like the car, and said we wouldn't have to meet the seller in person. These are all signs of a typical scam: buyer beware!

Other scam signs: though their snazzy flash-based website presents them as worldwide experts in escrow services, a google search for their domain name results in zero hits, and the domain has only been registered for five days and lists no telephone contacts:


Registrant:
Domain Privacy Group, Inc.
c/o webatrades.com,
5160 Yonge St. Suite 1800
Toronto, ON M2N 6L9
CA

Registrar of Record: Netfirms Inc.
Record expires on 2009-05-21.
Record created on 2008-05-21.
Database last updated on 2008-05-28 12:54:04.


If you are finding this post because you googled their address after considering buying a car from someone using their service, I strongly consider you to avoid doing business with them, or at least to investigate the company much more thoroughly. Check with your state's attorney general's office to see if they've heard of them or have any complaints, and also consider checking with the BBB. Be very careful not to have your money taken by escrow scams, which this company gives every appearance of being.

Here's a screenshot of their front page, in case they pop up somewhere later under a different name.

Update: How to Avoid Escrow Fraud

Here are some useful links on escrow fraud, what it is, and how to avoid it:

• Escrow fraud ruining Craigslist?
• Wikipedia article on Bogus Escrow
• Tips for Spotting Escrow Fraud