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JACKSON ADVOCATE
JACKSON, MS
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BBB cautions that
; \car dealers get
cash for clunkers,
not consumers
JANS - The government recently
launched the Cash for Clunkers progmm
designed to allow some older "gas guz­
zler" vehicles to be traded in for credit on
newer fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Better Business ,Bureau (BBB)
Serving Mississippi eautio~s-consumers
that scammers are using catchy names in
an attempt to lure consumers into their
identity theft schemes. According to Bill
Moak, President/CEO of the Mississippi
BBB, "Scarumers ask for personal infor­
mation(such as Social Security numbers)
(0 help consumers get a 'voucher' or have
their names added to an application list
for this program. But no such vouchers
exist."
The BBB also cautions that it is dcal­
ers, not consumers. who are reimbursed
under the Cash for Clunkers program.
Dealers must apply to be registered to
participate in the program, and they are
then allowed to give a purchase credit
($3,500-4,500) toward the purchase price
of a new vehicle from their dealership.
The amount ofl,'l'Cdit depends on the type
ofvehide and the difference in fuel econ­
omy between the old and new vehicles.
BBB tips concerning CARS (Car Al­
lowance Rebate System):
• Avoid anyone who offers a money
order, check or direct deposit for the re­
bate.
• Determine the current value of the
clunker. Ifit exceeds $4,500, then selling
or normal trade-in may be more cost ef­
fective.
• Remember that the program works
only for purchasing or leasing new vehi·
c1es, not used vehicles.
• The program runs until November 1,
2009; however, it ends if program funds
are exhausted before that date.
• Protect your personal information and
understand contracts before signing them.
More information on the CARS pro­
gram can be found online at
www.cars.gov or by calling 866-227­
7891. Contact the BBB for a Reliability
Report on businesses 1IIIrWWW.l11S.bb~
or by calling ilOO-987-il280.