I Got Scammed Out of $59,000

This is a hard one to write. This week, I was defrauded out of $59,000 while purchasing a vehicle.

The money is gone, and I've filed fraud complaints with the FBI, my bank, and the Federal Trade Commission, but there's still only a slim chance I get it back. I'm sad, disappointed, and honestly embarrassed — but I'm sharing this because I hope it helps someone else avoid what happened to me.

How the Dealership Impersonation Scam Worked

I'd been thinking about this purchase for years and researching it for months. I even had AI helping me track listings until the right vehicle came along with the specs and price I wanted.

Over the last week, I exchanged phone calls, texts, emails, vehicle history reports, and title paperwork with someone I thought worked at a legitimate dealership. I even received a video of the vehicle being loaded onto a trailer for delivery to my house.

It was convincing. I'd purchased vehicles out of state before, and I ran the documents through AI looking for anything concerning. I thought I had crossed my T's and dotted my I's, so I wired the funds.

But the person I was communicating with was impersonating a real dealership. The website, contact information, and materials all helped sell a story that wasn't true.

At 43, with years of business experience and a pretty good understanding of technology, I thought I would catch something like this. I didn't. Having AI review the paperwork gave me confidence, but it couldn't establish that the person receiving my money was who they claimed to be. That has been a painful lesson.

The Principle: Integrity, Even When Someone Breaks Your Trust

I've always been a trusting person, and I still want to be. I'll take more precautions and slow down next time, but I don't want one person's dishonesty to change the way I see everyone else. There are so many good people in this world, and I want my kids to grow up knowing that.

This experience has reminded me how much I value integrity. When someone trusts our word, they make decisions around it. That happens when a customer hires us, when a spouse counts on us, or when a child believes us when we say we'll be there. Honesty means telling the whole truth, keeping our commitments, and speaking up when we've made a mistake — even when it's uncomfortable.

Our kids learn those things by watching us. They notice when we follow through, return something that isn't ours, and apologize without adding an excuse. I want mine to see that someone else's choices don't give us permission to abandon our own values.

My faith in Jesus Christ also calls me toward forgiveness, and I'm asking for help with that. Forgiving someone doesn't mean trusting them again or giving them another opportunity to hurt us. I can pursue accountability and keep firm boundaries while leaving judgment with God — and I don't have to pretend I'm okay to begin working toward that.

The Reset Question: Where Do My Actions Need to Catch Up With My Word?

Think about a commitment at home, at work, or to yourself that deserves your attention this week.

The Family Challenge: Keep One Promise This Week

Choose one promise you need to keep and put time on your calendar to follow through. If you've let someone down, start with an honest conversation.

A simple “I said I would do this, and I haven't. Here's how I'm going to make it right” can begin rebuilding trust.

Resources: How to Protect Your Family From Online Scams

At dinner this week, ask: “What would we do if someone online asked us for money or personal information and told us to hurry or keep it secret?” Agree that everyone can pause and ask for help — even if they've already clicked a link or sent something. I want my kids to know they can come to me when they feel embarrassed. This week has given me a fresh understanding of how hard that can be.

Include parents and grandparents in the conversation, too. AI can imitate familiar voices, so if someone calls with an urgent request for money, hang up and call them using a number you already know.

If you're purchasing a vehicle remotely, independently verify the dealership's contact information and arrange an inspection by someone you choose before paying. The FTC has guidance on what to do if you were scammed — including warnings about dealership impersonation scams. A verified escrow service can also be worth exploring, but understand its inspection deadlines and payment-release terms before using it.

One Last Thing

Be safe out there, friends. If this story could help someone you love, please share it with them. They can subscribe to The Weekly Reset for free. I hope sharing something this uncomfortable can help another family.

With love, Bubba. P.S. We're getting close to welcoming beta testers for Becoming at JoinBecoming.com — built around “building abundance without losing what matters most.” It's a place for practical guidance, community, and intentional growth in your faith, family, personal life, and business. If you'd like to try an early version and give honest feedback, sign up at the link.