CASPER, WY — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is urging residents to be vigilant when purchasing vehicles, trailers or motor equipment online. Investigators with WYDOT’s Motor Vehicle Services Compliance and Investigation division have identified a surge in fraudulent websites that copy the look and feel of legitimate Wyoming dealerships and auction houses.

Scammers Mimic Real Dealerships

These counterfeit sites replicate the layout, branding and graphics of authentic businesses, but they operate under different web addresses and contain subtle inconsistencies. The goal is to trick buyers into sending money for vehicles that never exist or to harvest personal and payment details.

What WYDOT Says

“Buying online is convenient, but carries risks for fraud and scams,” said Shannon Ferree, investigation supervisor with WYDOT Compliance and Investigation. “The auction closes, you think you just got a great deal on a car, and then the money is gone, and the car doesn’t even exist.”

How the Department Is Responding

WYDOT works closely with local law‑enforcement agencies to shut down these illegal sites. Many of the fraudulent pages are hosted outside the United States, which complicates enforcement and recovery efforts, but the department remains committed to protecting Wyoming consumers.

Tips for Safe Online Purchases

• Verify the web address: legitimate dealers use .com, .net or .org domains that match the business name.
• Look for spelling errors, mismatched logos or unusual contact information.
• Never send cash, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency before seeing the vehicle in person.
• Use a credit card or a payment method that offers fraud protection.
• Check the Better Business Bureau or the Wyoming Secretary of State’s business registry for registration status.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

Wyoming residents who believe they have been targeted can report the incident through the WYDOT Compliance website. The department also directs victims to the Wyoming Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for additional assistance.

Protecting Wyoming Families

In a time when many families rely on online marketplaces to find affordable transportation, safeguarding against fraud is essential to preserving household budgets and personal security. WYDOT’s proactive outreach reflects the agency’s commitment to keeping Wyoming’s roads—and its residents—safe from deceptive practices.

For the latest updates and detailed guidance, visit WYDOT’s compliance page or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 307‑777‑1234.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.