The Better Business Bureau of South Dakota has issued a consumer alert about an online auto dealer operating under the name Haulix Motors. According to the BBB, the company advertised a downtown Sioux Falls address that belongs to an unrelated business, without the property owner’s permission.

Investigation triggered by property manager

BBB Vice President Jessie Schmidt said the investigation began after the property manager reported the website for using the address illegally. The manager also relayed that a consumer had wired $20,000 to Haulix Motors for a truck purchase, but the vehicle was never delivered.

Missing dealer license

Schmidt added that Haulix Motors does not hold an active dealer license with the South Dakota Department of Revenue, a requirement for legally selling vehicles in the state.

Red flags for online vehicle purchases

The BBB outlined several warning signs for consumers considering online auto purchases. These include sellers demanding wire transfers, refusing in‑person vehicle inspections, and pressuring buyers to send money quickly. “They put the rush that, like, hey, there’s somebody else that will take this vehicle if you can’t be here tomorrow or you can’t get us the money immediately; that’s another red flag,” Schmidt explained.

Consumer advice

For anyone looking to buy a vehicle online, the BBB recommends verifying the seller’s physical address, confirming a valid dealer license, and avoiding any transaction that requires an immediate wire transfer or denies a personal inspection of the vehicle.

Consumers who suspect fraud are encouraged to report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and their state attorney general’s office.

Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.