THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 22, 2022 Page 13 BBB Scam Alert: With used cars in high demand, look out for too-good-to-be-true prices A ccording to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), used cars are in high demand, and scammers know it. Con artists are taking advantage of shoppers who turn to online platforms in search of a reasonably priced used vehicle. Be wary of this latest twist and too-good-to-be-true prices. How the scam works: You are shopping for a used vehicle on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay or another online platform. You fi nd the make and model you want at an excellent price. Amazing! However, when you contact the seller, you fi nd out that the vehicle is in another city. Fortunately, the seller knows a transport company that can deliver it to you. All you need to do is pay the transport company, which will hold the funds in escrow until the vehicle is delivered. Many scammers will add a sad story meant to tug on your heartstrings. For example, they might claim the car belonged to a relative who has passed away. FESTIVALS | FROM PAGE 1 Malden Chamber of Commerce, the festivals draw large crowds who are looking for a chance to hear a variety of music, opportunities to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and meats at the ever-growing Farmer’s Market, and a shopping bazaar lined with vintage clothes vendors, jewelry makers and other artisans. The Festivals celebrate Malden’s business community as it continues to rebound from the eff ects of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic. Malden Strategy and Business Development Offi cer Kevin Duff y has organized this successful series of An example: Reportedly, a scammer claimed to be selling a car on behalf of their aunt, who inherited it from her recently deceased father. “The ‘Auntie’ claimed she was a nurse and worked shifts, and that my daughter’s original email had fallen into her junk folder. The ‘Auntie’ had moved to another province thousands of miles from us. But if my daughter wanted to purchase the car for the stated price (which was well under the going price for a vehicle of this type, year and mileage), the Auntie had a contract with an automotive transport company.” Once you’ve paid the third-party company, usually by a wire transfer or prepaid debit card, your vehicle won’t be delivered. The sale was a scam, and the con artist was in cahoots with the third-party transport company. Unfortunately, your money is gone for good. SCAM | SEE PAGE 19 events that has brought thousands of visitors to the downtown over the past two years. The final Summer Festival for 2022 will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit CityofMalden.org/Summer Festivals. Bread of Life had a special benefactor recently. Malden resident Kobe, just 9 years old, organized a fundraiser, Kobe’s Run for the Homeless, and raised $779 for Bread of Life. He stopped by the temporary headquarters on Madison Street this week to drop off the money raised. Thank you for brightening the day and helping Bread of Life families! (Courtesy Photo) Kobe's Run for the Homeless Benefits Bread of Life A stilt walker is shown making his way through the festival recently. Mayor Gary Christenson is showing the Summer Youth Workers how to have fun.
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