Our BBB was alerted recently to ATB Autos, an auto dealership claiming an address in Luverne, Minnesota. The consumer who brought this to our attention reported the company was advertising used cars at unbelievably low prices on their website, but when people called them to follow up, company representatives then tried to sell them other merchandise. The consumer believed the company was fraudulent and requested a BBB investigation.
After a thorough review, our Advertising Review Department learned the vehicles ATB was advertising online were actually in the inventories of other car dealers around the country and there was no company at the address in Luverne the company was claiming. Other car dealers in the Luverne area had heard about them, however, and believed something unusual was going on. At that point we decided to 'secret shop' the company by leaving a message with them expressing interest in one of the cars on their website.
The company returned our call from a Colorado area code. Shortly thereafter, we discovered the company's website was registered with an Accredited Business in South Dakota that offers website development and support to auto dealers. In conjunction with the BBB/Nebraska and South Dakota, we contacted that business and informed them of our concerns in regard to ATB Autos. The company was alarmed by the information we brought to their attention, and within a day the website of ATB Autos was shut down. Since this action was taken, we've heard nothing further about ATB Autos.
