Mississippians should keep a sharp eye to avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle from recent storms.
As MPB's Mark Rigsby reports, the warning is coming from the state Attorney General's office.
No one wants to be taken advantage of by people who sell flood-damaged cars and trucks that have been in a natural disaster. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood says buyer beware when shopping for a used vehicle after high water caused by Hurricane Harvey.
"If it smells like it's got mildew, or there's really heavy scents inside, it seems like they're trying to cover up some kind of mildew, then you might want to take it to a body shop, or to your mechanic, and get them to check it out."
Hood says what looks like a good deal could be a cover for a vehicle that's been in flood water, making it unsafe to drive.
"The electrical problems create such hazards to people on the road, is what concerns us more about a flood-damaged vehicle. It's the things that people don't really notice."
When buying a used car, it's recommended to do your research on the car title, and get a vehicle history report. Also, fully inspect the car, and feel and listen for mechanical problems. Hood also has a warning to the scam artists.
"You'll be caught. You may get money on the short run, but it will come back to haunt you."
Hood urges the public to report anyone suspected of selling a flood-damaged vehicle as a good, used car.
