Online shopping, in theory, should be a paradise of deals, ease, and convenience. With a few clicks, you can snag bargains that seem too good to be true. But therein lies the rub—sometimes, they really are too good to be true. This is a harsh lesson learned by Alan Sue, a 78-year-old retiree from Maui, who discovered his dream car, a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, at what appeared to be a steal of a price. Rather than securing a once-in-a-lifetime deal, Sue landed squarely in the middle of a nightmare.
The Dream That Turned Into a Scheme
Alan Sue stumbled upon a listing on Facebook Marketplace featuring a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, specifically the G63 AMG Brabus 900 Rocket Edition, one of only 25 ever made by the prestigious German tuning company Brabus. For those in the know, this bespoke model can fetch upwards of $640,000, making the advertised price of $275,000 seem incredibly alluring. Sue, captivated by the prospect of owning this ultimate off-road machine, promptly contacted the dealer, Dream Auto Collection, based in Hollywood, Florida.
On the phone with a man named Victor, who identified himself as the owner, Sue felt certain he was on the path to acquiring his dream car. Despite being nearly 5,000 miles away, Sue took the plunge and wired two transfers amounting to the $275,000 asking price. The plan was for the vehicle to be shipped to San Diego and then forwarded to his home in Hawai'i. Yet, as deadlines passed and the car failed to materialize, Sue's confidence began to wane.
Ignored and Deceived: The Aftermath
April came and went with no sight of the much-anticipated G-Wagon. Sue's attempts to reach Victor through calls, texts, and emails went unanswered. With mounting frustration and his savings drained, Sue's plight transitioned from mere disappointment to near desperation. In his own words, “I’m a fool... They made everything sound so nice. [But] I was stupid and foolish. Seriously, I thought about killing myself.” His situation exemplifies just how emotionally taxing and financially devastating online scams can be.
As the story unfolded, investigative reporter Jeff Weinsier from WPLG Local 10 confronted the president of Dream Auto, Oleg Tyulenev, only to be met with denial and a hasty retreat behind a closed garage door. Miraculously, the elusive Victor reached out to Sue soon after the reporter's visit, claiming a mix-up had led to the car being sold to another buyer. A refund was promised by August, contingent upon Victor's return from a holiday in Russia.
A Cautionary Tale and a Glimmer of Hope
Despite the grim prospects of reclaiming his lost fortune, Sue has not given up hope. He has filed complaints with the local police, the state attorney general’s office, and the FBI, shedding light on the darker side of online car purchases. Interestingly, Dream Auto's dubious dealings are not an isolated incident. A few months prior, another elderly couple from Georgia fell victim to a similar scam, losing $15,900 on a non-existent 2001 Lexus LS.
Beyond Sue's unfortunate experience, the saga might serve as a cautionary tale for future car buyers. According to Bloomberg, Brabus has initiated legal action against Dream Auto for copyright infringement related to the sale of counterfeit Brabus vehicles and parts. This lawsuit offers a sliver of hope that justice might eventually prevail, potentially curbing such fraudulent activities and protecting other unsuspecting buyers from similar scams.
The takeaway from Sue’s heartbreaking story is clear: while the allure of a great deal online can be irresistible, due diligence is crucial. Verify the seller, cross-check references, and, if possible, view the vehicle in person before making any transactions. After all, not every deal that glitters is gold.