South Dakota Buyer Exposes Deceptive Used Car Listings

If you're in the market for a used car and browsing social media for deals, be careful, there's a scam currently circulating in South Dakota that could cost unsuspecting buyers thousands.

According to Dakota News Now, a Sioux Falls man recently discovered the scam while searching for a used vehicle online. He came across a listing for a car in Yankton that was priced suspiciously low. When he inquired, the seller gave a compelling backstory: “I’m recently divorced and moving to another town, that’s why I’m selling it so cheap.”

At first, the explanation seemed plausible. But then, he found another listing with the exact same story. And a third, this time the seller claimed her husband had passed away, and she was eager to part with the vehicle due to the painful memories.

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There was a pattern beginning to emerge. All the listings were suspiciously underpriced. All involved a personal hardship. And all three of the vehicles being offered for sale had a link with an eBay logo.

Sensing something wasn’t right, the Sioux Falls man reached out to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for help.

Jessie Schmidt, Vice President of the South Dakota BBB, told Dakota News Now, “We were able to connect him with some very knowledgeable people, and ultimately helped save him several thousand dollars.”

When asked if she had seen this type of scam before, Schmidt replied, “Yes, I have. Any time you go online to buy something, whether it’s clothes or a car, it can be a great experience, or it can go very wrong.”

Thanks to the prospective buyer’s quick thinking and decision to report the incident, the BBB is now using his experience to warn others.

Remember, when it comes to buying items online on social media platforms, it's a buyer-beware environment. If something seems too good to be true, often it is.

The BBB strongly encourages anyone who suspects a scam to report it immediately. You can submit a report or learn more by visiting the Better Business Bureau’s website.

Bottom line: When buying online, especially on social media, be skeptical. If it feels off, trust your instincts. It could save you from becoming the next victim.

Source: Dakota News Now

10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota

Cities on the east and west side of the Missouri River have made the latest list of South Dakota's Most Dangerous Cities for 2021.

Roadsnacks recently released its most 'Dangerous Cities' list and here in The Mount Rushmore state there are a few surprises, especially at the top. To determine the most dangerous cities in the state, Roadsnacks looked at the FBI's report on the latest violent crime, along with property crime statistics.

And surprisingly, the town with the most murders per capita in the state has less than 3,000 residents. Take a look at the list below.

For a look at the detailed list, visit roadsnacks.com Story Source: Roadsncaks