On February 3, 2026, police in Boerne, Texas (near San Antonio) warned the public about an online luxury car scam that has already cost victims about $40,000.
According to the Boerne Police Department, scammers used a fake company name — “Always Boerne” — to advertise high-end luxury vehicles online and collect money through online payments.
Police said the scammers even used the address of an old car dealership lot in Boerne to look real. When officers checked, the property owner confirmed the location is now an auto body and detailing shop, not a dealership.
Who was targeted
Police reported that the known victims were not from the Boerne area (including people from California and Nebraska), which shows how these scams can reach buyers across the U.S. 👉To know more
Red flags police highlighted from luxury car scam
Boerne police warned people to be careful if:
- The deal looks “too good to be true”
- The seller pressures you to act fast
- The seller asks for large upfront payments, especially via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards
Police said there were no major updates to the investigation at the time of the report, but they hope public awareness will prevent more victims.
How to Protect Yourself From a Luxury Car Scam
Luxury car scams are becoming more common as more buyers turn to online platforms to purchase high-end vehicles. Scammers know that luxury cars attract serious buyers who are often ready to act fast, which makes these scams especially dangerous. Understanding how these fraud schemes work is the first step toward protecting yourself.
One of the most important rules is to never send money before verifying the seller and the vehicle. Legitimate luxury car dealers will always allow inspections, provide verifiable business details, and communicate through official channels. If a seller avoids video calls, refuses in-person inspections, or pressures you to “secure the deal quickly,” it is a major red flag of a luxury car scam.
Common Red Flags of a Luxury Car Scam
Buyers should stay alert for these warning signs often linked to luxury car scams:
- Prices that are far below market value for luxury vehicles
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards
- Fake dealership websites using copied photos and stolen addresses
- Poor grammar or rushed communication from the seller
- Refusal to use escrow services or trusted third-party inspections
If even one of these signs appears, pause the transaction and verify everything carefully.
What To Do If You Encounter a Luxury Car Scam
If you believe you have encountered or fallen victim to a luxury car scam, act immediately. Contact your bank or payment provider to stop or dispute the transaction if possible. You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help authorities track scam patterns and protect others.
Reporting scams not only increases your chances of recovery but also helps prevent the same luxury car scam from affecting other buyers.
Safety Precautions
- Contact your bank/card provider immediately to stop or dispute the payment.
- Report the scam to the FTC and (if money was sent) also report to FBI IC3.
Final Thoughts on Luxury Car Scams
Luxury car scams continue to rise as online vehicle sales grow across the United States. Staying informed, verifying sellers, and trusting your instincts can make a major difference. Always remember: if a luxury car deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
By spreading awareness and staying cautious, buyers can reduce the risk of falling victim to a luxury car scam and make safer, smarter purchasing decisions.
