Warning: Fraudulent online ads could hurt Virginia dealers
The Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) is warning dealers against scraping, a practice where Internet advertisers list on their websites inventory from dealers who never consented to the listing. In an effort to increase traffic, the advertisers scrape the listings from an online advertising site with which the dealers have a contract.
The problem is that the scraper often removes important disclosure information required under Virginia law. MVDB, not realizing that the listing is unauthorized, then sends a warning letter to the dealer. The issue was discussed at the November MVDB meeting this week, and the director said that any dealer who receives a warning letter and believes its the result of a scraping should notify MVDB with an explanation and backup material.
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