The North Carolina man reportedly tried to buy a truck to help him search for his missing partner and pets
YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty
Debris and destroyed cars in Asheville, NC, on October 28, 2024
A North Carolina veteran was allegedly scammed out of $40,000 during his search for his wife and their pets, all of whom went missing after their home was swept away by Hurricane Helene.
Marine veteran Rod Ashby of Elk Park has been searching for his missing wife, Kim Ashby, and their three dogs since late September — when their home was destroyed in the flooding that has devastated North Carolina and nearby states — according to CNN.
Rod’s daughter Ansley Ashby told the outlet that her father’s Ford F-350 truck had been destroyed and destroyed by flooding, and that he was looking for a new heavy-duty vehicle to help him search for Kim, Ansley’s stepmother , in the rubble. covered roads and nearby forests.
He had received an insurance settlement for his F-350 and was looking for something simple that “wouldn’t break the bank with everything else he could get pretty quickly,” Ansley told CNN.
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Debris in Asheville, NC, on October 20, 2024
The Navy vet had come across a website for a car dealer in Colorado that advertised impounded cars that were below market value. According to the outlet, Rod had several phone and email conversations with the dealer and eventually tried to buy a 2020 F-350 for $40,000. He reportedly received a sales invoice and an official-looking contract, then transferred the money to the seller. Rod was told the car would be shipped to him in a few days.
“Honestly, it seemed legit,” Rod’s daughter said.
However, she soon realized something was wrong when the ad for the car was still online several days after the alleged sale. Ansley quickly contacted the dealer on another phone number. She was told the truck was still for sale, and that’s when she realized the sale was a scam.
Upon closer inspection, she told CNN that the website was created by a scammer posing as a real car dealer in Colorado.
“It’s just another gut punch,” she added. “You just feel so helpless.”
Related: Many People Disappeared During the Helene Floods, and These Women Help Loved Ones Search for Answers (Exclusive)
The Ashby family reported the incident to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in Pittsboro, where Rod and Ansley live, and the matter is under investigation.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The owner of the real car dealership in Colorado told CNN he was receiving calls from people who fell victim to the scam.
“They take the money and people don’t even see the cars (in person) or anything,” the owner said. “They transfer the money blindly.”
Ansley also said that during his phone conversations with the scammer, Rod was candid about why he needed a new truck.
Mario Tama/Getty
Destroyed buildings in North Carolina on October 8, 2024
Related: At least 81 missing in North Carolina as Hurricane Helene relief efforts continue
According to the family’s GoFundMe, organized by Kim’s daughter Jessica Meidinger, the 58-year-old teacher has been missing since September 29, three days after Helene first landed in Florida.
“Hurricane Helene swept her and my stepfather’s vacation home into the Elk River,” Meidinger wrote in the fundraiser description. “After several days, Rod was safely evacuated and is living at home with us, along with many other family members who have come together to work together during this difficult time.”
The family told CNN that Rod and Kim became separated as their home floated away in the raging waters.
According to Avery County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Van Williams, both police and volunteer crews searched the Elk River to no avail for Kim, according to CNN. She and another person are the only two people still missing after Helene.
“Search and rescue efforts have been ongoing since September 29 with no results,” Meidinger continued in the GoFundMe, adding that the donated money would go towards Rod’s home and car, medical bills and other necessary expenses.
As of Sunday, November 10, the GoFundMe has raised more than $70,000 of its $100,000 goal from donations from 754 donors.
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The Better Business Beareau (BBB) lists several tips for buyers shopping for used cars to avoid getting ripped off. In addition, buyers should always talk to the seller on the phone and ask plenty of questions, view the car before purchasing it, be cautious if the extra charges seem to pile up, and consider how legitimate the seller is if you do so. are asked to transfer money, use prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency or digital wallet transfers.
“Beware of prices that are too good to be true. It’s probably a scam. Scammers know that used cars are in high demand, and they will entice shoppers with great deals,” the BBB wrote. “Don’t give in to threats or pressure. Resist the urge to act immediately. Always take time to consider a purchase, especially if it’s a vehicle that costs thousands of dollars.”
