WYDOT warns of potential vehicle scams via spoof dealer websites

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Following reports of a website posing as a legitimate dealership in southeast Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Transportation issued a public reminder to be wary of buying vehicles, trailers and other heavy equipment online without due diligence.

The legitimate dealer, Rose Brothers, reported the website to WYDOT, saying it was impersonating the dealer, showing vehicles and equipment for sale.

WYDOT and local law enforcement are investigating the website.

“It is a common scammer tactic to spoof legitimate websites to trick unsuspecting buyers into purchasing items that may not exist or to steal personal and payment information,” a news release said. “These websites match the real ones in design and graphics, but not in URL or other key details.”

Scammers will post deals on these websites that prove too good to be true. WYDOT investigators work closely with law enforcement to try to take down known scam websites, the release said, but many are based outside of the United States.

“An out-of-state potential buyer saved himself from potentially being scammed out of thousands of dollars by doing his due diligence and traveling to Wyoming to verify a potential online purchase,” said WYDOT Compliance and Investigation Investigator Shane Fox.

WYDOT offered the following tips for buyers:

• If you are unable to view the item prior to purchase, have someone you trust do so, if

possible, especially before releasing any funds.

• Reference the list, published by WYDOT, of legitimate, licensed vehicle dealers, salvage yards and rental vehicle agencies in the state online at dot.state.wy.us/home/vehicle_bus_ regulation/new-business.html.
• If a text or website feels suspicious, contact the agency or company through a different means to verify.

Wyomingites who feel they might have been affected by a scam like this can contact WYDOT Compliance online at dot.state.wy.us. They can also contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at attorneygeneral.wyo.gov/law-office-division/ consumer-protection-and-antitrust-unit.

This story was published on March 25, 2026.