Complaint Review: Automotive.com

I found a 2011 Audi A8L online. I called the number and contacted the sellar. I was directed to purchase securely through Automotive.com. After extensive research about the company and  the purchasing agreement, I decided to move forward with the deal. I received several emails and phone calls through out the process. I have email communication and documented dialogue from automotive.com. 

I was informed that the car was located in Texas. It was explained to me that a wire transfer was the safest most secure way to protect both the buyer and the sellar. They would only hold the funds and I would have 5 days to decide on the purchase, the seller would not have access to the funds. I contacted my bank to even ensure that the place my money was going to was legit, they then provided information for the Barclays Bank. The recipent was Mr. Mihai-Marius Automotive International.

The terms and conditions for the sale were "Automotive will secure the payment until the Buyer receives, inspects, and accepts the vehicle. If the Buyer refuse the vehicle, the Buyer's funds will automatically be paid back in no later than 24 hours. For security reasons please do not release the payment details to the Seller or any other person."

That did not happen, on 2/11/2014 I wired $28,460 to the Barclay's Bank for the sale through Automotive.com. I received a transaction number and confirmation email. That was the last communication that I received with Kevin Overmars the seller (kevin.overmars@live.com) and the account representative at automotive.com.

Since then I have continued to contact automotive.com. When I call the automotive.com office in California, I am directed to a voicemail. I filed a complaint on the BBB, however, it was recently closed because automotive.com never responded to the complaint. I have been instructed now to contact The Federal Trade Comission and the Department of Consumer Affairs located in California. Automotive.com ripped me off.