Greg's Corner

Hurricane Victim Scammed During Search for Wife

By Greg Collier

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a devastating blow has left Rod Ashby grappling not only with the tragic disappearance of his wife, Kim, but also with an unexpected financial nightmare. As he continues his desperate search for Kim in the rugged mountains of western North Carolina, a scam has stripped him of nearly $40,000, money that was meant to buy him the necessary vehicle to aid in his search.

Rod and Kim, who lived in Sanford, North Carolina, were at their mountain cabin near Banner Elk when the hurricane struck. When floodwaters overtook their home, the couple clung to each other, fighting against the relentless force of the water. Tragically, their grip was broken as they struck a tree, and Rod, though able to make it to safety, hasn’t seen Kim since. More than a month has passed, and Rod’s hope for closure remains as fierce as ever. In these weeks, with family by his side, Rod has returned to the mountains, joined by search crews in his unwavering pursuit of his missing wife.

However, the search has not been without obstacles. The hurricane destroyed Rod’s truck, leaving him without a reliable means to navigate the steep, muddy mountain roads. Staying with family in Pittsboro, he resolved to find a replacement, a four-wheel drive vehicle capable of tackling the treacherous terrain where he believes he may still find Kim. In his search, he found what he thought was an ideal solution, a 2020 Ford F-350 listed online at $38,900, advertised by a Colorado-based business specializing in repossessed vehicles. Although Rod’s daughter was initially skeptical, the transaction seemed legitimate. The phone calls, emails, and even a formal bill of sale all appeared authentic. But soon after wiring the money, they began to suspect the deal was not what it seemed. The truck remained listed on the website, and their follow-up inquiries began to go unanswered.

The heartbreaking reality soon became clear: the truck did not exist, and the business was nothing more than an elaborate imitation of a legitimate dealership. Rod and his family contacted the banks involved and filed a fraud report, only to face an agonizing wait, potentially 90 days, to see if they might recover any of the lost funds. This setback, another blow in an already unimaginable situation, struck a deep nerve. For Rod, time is crucial; each day that passes is another without the closure he seeks, another day he cannot be out on the mountain, hoping to bring Kim home.

The legitimate business that the scammer had copied reported that they had been flooded with similar cases, with people across the country falling victim to the same deceptive tactics. The scammer’s scheme of underpricing vehicles preyed on those seeking a good deal, especially people in urgent situations like Rod. The business owner, aware of the far-reaching effects of these scams, is now working with law enforcement to prevent further victims. The Ashby family, however, is left grappling with the emotional and financial consequences of this betrayal.

Rod’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the risks of online transactions, especially when urgency and emotional stakes are high. Scammers prey on those who might let their guard down due to stress, grief, or pressing need, and, as Rod’s experience highlights, they can convincingly replicate legitimate businesses to the unsuspecting eye. While law enforcement investigates, the Ashby family and their supporters are forced to wait, their lives altered by a combination of natural disaster and human deceit.

Avoiding online scams, especially when buying high-value items like vehicles, requires vigilance and careful verification. Here are some essential steps to safeguard against falling victim to such schemes.

First, thoroughly research the seller. Start by searching for the dealership or business name online. Legitimate businesses often have an established presence with a verifiable website, social media profiles, and customer reviews. Be wary of any dealership that lacks a history or only has a recently created website or social media page, as scammers frequently create ‘shell’ sites to impersonate legitimate businesses.

Verify contact information on official channels. Instead of relying on phone numbers or emails provided on a specific site, cross-check them with official listings or other trusted sources. A simple call to the real business can often confirm whether they are associated with the listing. If possible, visit the dealership in person or ask a trusted contact nearby to confirm the vehicle’s availability and condition.

Avoid paying via wire transfer whenever possible. Wire transfers offer little protection for buyers, as once funds are sent, they are challenging to recover. Reputable dealerships typically accept other, safer forms of payment that offer some level of recourse, such as credit cards or certified checks. If a seller insists on a wire transfer, especially to a personal account or a different name than the business, this is a major red flag.

Use a vehicle history report service to verify the vehicle’s existence and ownership records. Services like Carfax or AutoCheck allow you to input the vehicle identification number (VIN) and receive detailed information about the car’s history, including its ownership, accident history, and maintenance records. Scammers may avoid providing a VIN, or give a fake one, so this step can help confirm a vehicle’s legitimacy.

Carefully review documents and be skeptical of underpriced deals. Deals that appear too good to be true often are, as scammers tend to price vehicles attractively to bypass buyers’ usual caution. Examine all documentation for inconsistencies, such as misspellings, unusual formatting, or unfamiliar terms in contracts or sales agreements.

If possible, work with your bank to escrow funds or use a secure payment platform that can hold funds in trust until the vehicle is confirmed. Some banks and online services offer escrow accounts that protect funds until both parties are satisfied with the transaction, ensuring a level of security in case something goes awry.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek advice from others, especially friends or family with experience in buying vehicles online. A second set of eyes can often spot red flags that might be overlooked. And if a purchase ever feels off, listen to that instinct. Taking time to verify details can be the best defense against the heartache and financial loss of falling victim to a scam.

By taking these precautions, buyers can greatly reduce the risk of being scammed, even in high-stakes, emotionally charged situations like Rod Ashby’s. Scammers thrive on desperation and urgency, so maintaining a level of caution, even in challenging times, can protect you from becoming a victim.