Multiple customers claim they paid a used car dealership in Baltimore thousands of dollars with the promise of a working vehicle.
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After putting down their hard-earned money, many say they don’t have a vehicle, and one that did receive a vehicle is dealing with car repairs, according to WMAR 2 News.
“It was my inheritance,” said Tammie Skinner in an interview about the funds she lost. After putting down $10,000 for a used car in March, she says she hasn’t heard back from the dealership about either a vehicle delivery or a refund.
After speaking with the press about her similar experience with the same dealership, Debra Godsey received a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse with over 167,000 miles, several recalls, and multiple error codes. The vehicle quickly broke down and was in the shop at the time of her interview with WMAR 2 News.
While these customers wait for the situation to be resolved, they are spreading the word about this allegedly “ghosting” used car dealership.
How did it happen?
According to an official document from 2024, Vehicle Veterans, a registered business in Maryland, offers a brokerage service.
In such businesses, customers are expected to pay a broker’s fee, set a budget, and let the company know what type of vehicle they are interested in. From there, the dealership monitors available vehicle listings, moves forward with a purchase that meets your needs, and eventually provides you with an agreed-upon vehicle.
After seeing videos of happy customers accepting a vehicle from the company on Facebook, Skinner went to meet with the company. At that point, she met with Vernon Crowffey, a broker who helped start Vehicle Veterans.
"Vernon’s sister was there at the secretarial desk, and she and Vernon put on a good show for me, showing me vehicles that I could purchase as long as I had that money in their hands," Skinner said.
Skinner says she put down $10,000 cash with the understanding she would receive a used car in the near future. But after making that payment on March 21, she claims she still hasn’t received word from Vehicle Veterans.
"I didn’t want the monthly payment, because right now, it is so hard, even just to put food on the table. It is, it’s a struggle. There are 13 people in this house, and I cook, I clean daily," Skinner said.
Crowffey responded to the allegations in an interview with WMAR 2 News. He claims his cousin Michael Henry, who is the owner of the business, had control of the funds.
However, the news station says several customers provided receipts showing Square payments made directly to Photogeniks, Crowffey’s photography business.
Crowffey also said that he is still trying to come through for his clients.
“I just feel so committed to people, you know, and doing what’s right in this whole situation, regardless of whether I took the money, Mike took the money or not. You know, it happened under Vehicle Veterans, which I still was a part of. And so, you know, I still planned on standing in the forefront and making sure that I can do whatever I can to make things right," said Crowffey.
For now, many customers are waiting to either receive a vehicle or get their money back. According to the news report, Vehicle Veterans has had two complaints filed against it at the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.
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What to look for when buying a used car
Losing thousands of dollars during any transaction is a nightmare scenario, especially during an auto purchase. Not only do you potentially drain your savings, but you also don’t walk away with a vehicle to get you to and from work.
If you are in the market for a used vehicle, doing your homework can help you avoid a devastating outcome.
Start by working with a reputable car dealership. Check online reviews and the business’s legal status to confirm that most customers have a positive experience.
If possible, consider getting a recommendation from a family member or friend who had a good experience purchasing a vehicle recently. Make sure this is someone you can trust.
Once you find a vehicle you are interested in, request the VIN number. Use the VIN to look up the vehicle’s accident history and title status. Don’t skip a test drive. Spend at least 20 minutes in the vehicle, drive it up hills, and test out every button you can find.
When possible, consider paying a trustworthy car mechanic to review the condition of the vehicle.
Although they cannot predict all future problems, a competent mechanic can help you assess whether or not the vehicle is in good running condition. If a mechanic spots a major issue, you might decide to walk away without any additional harm to your wallet.
As you review any paperwork associated with the vehicle, confirm that the title has the same name as the seller’s. Before signing any contracts, read the fine print and confirm you understand everything. Don’t drive off the lot without a copy of the signed contract.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.