BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a scam involving fake RV dealerships that use artificial intelligence and social media ads to trick buyers.
The company, listed as Accelerated Motors LLC, advertised on Facebook and listed a Baton Rouge address as its headquarters, which was in a parking lot with no RVs in sight. The images posted on the company’s website appeared to be AI-enhanced photos of the actual address, and included misspelled company names.
Because the company is not licensed, the case was referred to a federal agency
Carmen Million, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau, said consumers outside of Louisiana began contacting the BBB after seeing the company’s online ads.
“Scammers will take advantage of technology. They will use social media, Facebook, which is this company’s advertising site, to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers,” Million said. “Consumers are an easy target because they want to make a good purchase. They’re very sophisticated.”
BBB confirmed that Accelerated Motors is not licensed by the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission. This license is required for RV dealers operating within the state. The agency referred the matter to the Federal Trade Commission, state attorney general’s office, and FBI.
Victims urged to speak out
Million said many victims are too embarrassed to come forward, and scammers rely on this.
“If anyone fell for that scam, they should have learned,” Million said. “Open up this conversation to your friends, family, and people in your church and let them know about this particular scam. The more people talk, the more people will talk about it. Maybe we can save one person.”
The BBB says similar scams involving mobile homes have been circulating before, and similar scams have been reported in the New Orleans area.
how to protect yourself
BBB recommends taking the following steps before sending money for big-ticket items purchased online.
- Search Google for the address listed by the seller
- Check the Kelley Blue Book price for your vehicle.
- Please check the seller’s license with the appropriate state agency
- Never send money to someone you have never met in person
Consumers who believe they have been targeted can file a report at bbb.org/scamtracker.
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