Wisconsin BBB scam alert; tips to avoid buying flood damaged cars

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Abandoned cars in a flooded car park by the Thames at Abingdon, winter sunrise. (Photo by: Planet One Images/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about scam artists trying to pass off water-damaged vehicles as ordinary used cars.

What we know:

The BBB says these vehicles typically show up at auto auctions, used car dealerships, and classified ads. 

Once the owners of damaged cars settle with the insurance companies, the vehicles are sometimes refurbished and resold. 

According to a news release from the BBB, flooded cars are often transported well beyond the original region where the flood or major storm occurred to locations where consumers may be less aware of the damage and what warning signs to look for. 

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Tips for car shoppers 

What you can do:

Ask to see the title. Check the date and place of transfer, verifying where the car came from. Ask questions if the title is stamped "salvage" or arrived from a recently flood-damaged state. Consider purchasing a vehicle history report (be wary of scams), which includes information if the car has ever been tagged as "salvage" or "flood damaged" in any state. 

Carefully check the dashboard. Examine all gauges to ensure they are accurate and there are no signs of water. Look for indications that the dashboard may have been removed.

Check the electronic components. Test the lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater, and air conditioner several times to ensure they work. Also, flex some wires under the dash to see if they bend or crack since wet wires become brittle upon drying. 

Check the interior spaces and condition of the fabrics. Look in the trunk, glove compartment, and beneath the seats and dash for signs of mud, rust, or water damage. Check for open drainage holes in the bottom of the vehicle. Look for discolored, faded, or mildewed upholstery and carpeting. Recently shampooed carpets may be cause for concern. Carpeting that has been replaced may fit too loosely or not match the interior color. Lift the carpets to check for signs of moisture, rust, or dirt accumulation. 

Get a vehicle history report from a database service. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) free database lists flood damage and other information. But note that NICB reports are only helpful if the car is insured. If an uninsured flood-damaged car owner tries to sell it on the open market and you’re the buyer, you may never know there’s a problem until things like the electrical system go bad. Companies such as CarFax (a BBB Accredited business in the U.S. and Canada) also offer vehicle history reports. Avoid vehicle history scams.

Remember to check under the hood. Look for standing water, mud, or grit in the spare tire wheel well or around the engine compartment under the hood.

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Look for rust. Inspect areas like door hinges, hood latches, trunk latches, and under the dashboard for rust or corrosion, which may indicate water exposure. 

Do a smell test. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign there may be a mold or odor problem.

Research the dealer. Always check out the BBB Business Profile of the dealer at BBB.org. Ensure the dealer has a return policy or warranty that allows you to return the car if flood damage is discovered after purchase. 

Get an inspection. Before buying any used car, consider having a pre-purchase inspection. A trusted professional inspection service (such as a BBB Accredited auto service shop) can provide a detailed assessment of the vehicle's condition and identify signs of flood damage that you might miss. Auto services near you.