Indiana’s attorney general is warning the state’s residents to watch for car dealers posing as private sellers on Craigslist and to alert the Office of the Attorney General if they come across such listings.

Craigslist.com allows a seller to post either as a dealer or as a private party under “by owner.” Consumers are then able to search either category according to their preferences.

Dealers are prohibited by Craigslist from advertising under “by owner.” Dealers who post misleading ads by posing as private sellers often run afoul of Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, the AG’s Office states.

Typically, dealers trying to mislead potential buyers will post photos of vehicles parked in residential neighborhood settings rather than on dealer lots and write ads appearing to be from private sellers, using language such as “I am selling my….”

These dealers will provide contact information consisting of someone’s first name and a cell number. Once reached on their cellphones, dealership employees often direct potential buyers to their commercial lots.

The Office of the Attorney General is currently investigating multiple dealers who have engaged in such behavior. These dealers are typically trying to reach an audience of car buyers who want to avoid interactions with dealers.