05/15/2026
On March 17, 2025, a victim stated she observed a TikTok advertisement for a vehicle from what she believed to be Red Auto Center, a legitimate dealership located in Lake Wales. The victim contacted the account associated with the advertisement and communicated with the suspect through TikTok messaging and phone calls. After seeing a vehicle she was interested in, she was instructed to send a $950 down payment via Apple Pay and Zelle to secure the vehicle.
When the victim later arrived at the dealership in Lake Wales, dealership staff informed her that the TikTok account was fraudulent and not affiliated with the legitimate business. Since the initial report, sixteen additional cases with nearly identical circumstances have been reported bringing the total number of known incidents to seventeen cases since March 17, 2025.
The fraudulent accounts closely mimic the legitimate dealership's online presence by copying photographs, using similar account names and creating email addresses that closely resemble those used by the legitimate business.
Here's how to protect yourself:
- DO NOT send deposits via Apple Pay, Zelle or other peer-to-peer payment apps to secure a vehicle
- Verify the dealership by contacting them directly using official contact information
- Be cautious of deals or requests made solely through social media
- Visit dealerships in-person before making any payments
- Report suspicious accounts or activity to law enforcement
If anyone is experiencing similar frauds, please reach out to the Lake Wales Police Investigation Division or visit the Lake Wales Police Department.
(863)678-4223
133 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853
