Dalton PD Issues Warning for Used Car Buyers
The Dalton Police Department is warning both car dealers and members of the general public to use caution when selling or buying used cars, especially if dealing with someone who claims to represent a business called the “Atlanta Auto Group” in Athens, Georgia.
In late August, two men claiming to represent the Atlanta Auto Group purchased four vehicles from a car dealership in Dalton. The men identified themselves as Kerry Jennings and Tommy Kelley. They paid with checks from an active account, and left behind contact phone numbers for the business which turned out to be stolen cell phones. Then, later, payment on one of the checks was stopped and another was returned for having insufficient funds. The address listed for Atlanta Auto Group in Athens turned out to be a vacant car lot. Men claiming to be from the Atlanta Auto Group have also pulled the same scam in states around the southeast.
An investigation has led to the recovery of two of the vehicles at car dealerships out of state. This case remains under active investigation.
The Dalton Police Department recommends getting at least two forms of identification from individuals when buying or selling a vehicle. If buying or selling with an out of town business, take steps to confirm with a Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce that the business is a legitimate business.
If you have any information about this scam, please contact Detective Chris Johnson with the Dalton Police Department at 706-278-9085, extension 222.
