California man loses $25,000 by scamming Connecticut classic car dealers

CT (WFSB) – A California man lost $25,000 in a scam at a Connecticut vintage car dealer.

According to the Better Business Bureau, the victim found a 1934 Ford convertible on a website called autostorequalitycars.

He paid for the car, which was supposedly transported from Connecticut to California.

The seller named James said he could give him a good deal on shipping since the company did the shipping themselves.

When the man transferred the money, his bank said it was actually being sent to Texas, not Connecticut. No action was taken as a result.

When the vehicle arrived at his address, the man flew to Connecticut to meet the seller in hopes of getting the car or a refund.

When he went to the company's West Hartford location, it turned out to be an empty warehouse building.

A neighboring business owner said he hasn't seen any activity there in two years.

The BBB is investigating the incident and determining whether the seller is posing as a legitimate business that was once located at the Auto Store CT, LLC address.

A complaint was also filed with West Hartford Police.

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