Thinking about taking your search for a new vehicle online? If so, we applaud you. Online vehicle shopping offers a host of benefits, such as reduced prices and increased options.

However, with the good comes the bad, and if you aren't careful, you could fall for one of the many scams lurking online. So it is important to know what to look for and how to spot a scam.

Check out the following article by Consumers Digest: "When Carfax isn't enough." It features insight and tips from our very own John Roehll, EVP of DAS.

Scammers employ crafty tricks to fool consumers, such as fake websites, clever stories and doctored Carfax reports. Therefore, it is important to use a little extra scrutiny when shopping online.

• Never wire money – No legitimate car dealer would require a wire transfer even if just for the down payment.
• Validate the source – Pick up the phone and call the auto dealer or seller to get some information on their background and history.
• Validate the details – If the seller says the car is currently being held by a vehicle relocation company and will be shipped once payment is made, BEWARE! Spend some time verifying this statement. Do an online search of the vehicle relocation company – never trust the website or the number you are given – and call to validate the arrangement.
• Make it picture perfect – Ask the seller to photograph the car in a specific location. For example, find a restaurant in the seller's area and ask him or her to photograph the car with license plate visible in front of that restaurant.