Kirkwood Police Alert: Fake Gerard Cape Auto Website — How to Buy a Car Safely
Kirkwood Police warn of a fake website posing as Gerard Cape Auto. Learn safe car buying tips: verify dealers, inspect vehicles, avoid wire transfers.
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Kirkwood Police have issued a warning after discovering a scam website impersonating local car dealer Gerard Cape Auto. Scammers often clone dealership pages, listings and logos to trick buyers into sending deposits or wiring money for vehicles that don’t exist. This alert is a reminder to stay vigilant when shopping for cars online and follow sound vehicle purchasing safety practices.
Recognize common red flags of a fake dealership website: listings with unusually low prices, poor grammar or spelling, phone numbers that don’t match the dealer’s official contact, new or misspelled domain names, requests for payment by wire transfer or gift card, and pressure to pay before seeing the vehicle. If something feels off, pause and verify before proceeding.
Before you commit, verify the dealer’s identity. Visit the dealer’s official phone number and address from trusted sources, not links in an email or ad. Call the dealership directly to confirm the listing and ask whether the vehicle is on site. Check dealer reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and social media presence. A reputable business will have consistent contact details and a physical showroom you can visit.
Protect yourself when inspecting and buying the vehicle. Always inspect the VIN and run a vehicle history report through services like Carfax or AutoCheck. Arrange an in-person test drive and have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. Get all promises in writing, including warranties, condition disclosures and the final price with fees.
Use secure payment methods. Avoid wire transfers, prepaid cards or apps that offer little buyer protection. Pay by credit card, bank transfer with buyer protections, or use financing through a reputable lender or the dealer’s verified finance office. If the dealer offers an escrow or third-party payment solution, verify it independently.
If you encounter a suspected scam, save screenshots, emails and receipts, then report the incident to Kirkwood Police and to federal agencies such as the FTC. Contact your bank immediately if you’ve made a payment. Sharing your experience with local community groups can also help others avoid the same fraud.
Staying cautious and following these online car buying safety tips will reduce your risk of falling for a fake dealership website. Verify, inspect and pay securely to protect yourself when purchasing a vehicle.
Published on: February 18, 2026, 8:03 am
