MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Scammers posing as car dealers online are targeting Wisconsin buyers, using fake websites and social media accounts to advertise vehicles at below-market prices. These fraudulent listings often include stolen images from real dealerships to appear legitimate.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles has tracked multiple cases of this scheme, known as dealer cloning.

Officials note in a Monday, Feb. 24 press release that buyers are often lured in by low prices and asked to send payment via wire transfer, only to find the seller disappears after the transaction.

State officials urge car shoppers to verify dealerships through WisDOT’s licensed dealer list, inspect vehicles in person and avoid suspicious payment methods.

Fraud victims can report scams through WisDOT, law enforcement or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.