Reporting Suspicious Activity
Help protect the DealerBe community by reporting fraud and suspicious behavior
🚨 Why Reporting Matters
Community protection: Your reports help protect all dealers from fraud
Pattern recognition: Multiple reports help identify systematic fraud
Rapid response: Early reporting enables faster intervention
Platform integrity: Maintaining trust in the wholesale marketplace
⚠️ What to Report
Fraudulent Activity
🚫 Fake dealer credentials: Falsified licenses or documentation
🚫 Payment fraud: Fraudulent checks, wire transfers, or chargebacks
🚫 Vehicle misrepresentation: False condition or history claims
🚫 Identity theft: Using stolen dealer information
🚫 Non-existent vehicles: Selling vehicles that don't exist
Suspicious Behavior
⚠️ Pressure tactics: Rushing transactions or decisions
⚠️ Evasive responses: Avoiding verification requests
⚠️ Off-platform requests: Moving communication outside DealerBe
⚠️ Inconsistent information: Contradictory details or stories
⚠️ Unusual payment requests: Non-standard payment methods
📋 How to Report
Immediate Reporting
Email: Send detailed report to info@dealerbe.com
Subject line: "URGENT: Suspicious Activity Report"
Response time: Security team responds within 2-4 hours
Follow-up: Confirmation and case number provided
In-Platform Reporting
Profile reporting: "Report User" button on dealer profiles
Listing reports: "Report Listing" option on vehicle pages
Message reporting: Report inappropriate communications
Transaction disputes: Report issues during deals
📝 Information to Include
Essential Details
Who: Dealer name, username, contact information
What: Detailed description of suspicious activity
When: Dates and times of incidents
Where: Platform location (messages, listings, etc.)
Evidence: Screenshots, documents, communication records
✅ Documentation Tips
• Take screenshots of all relevant communications
• Save copies of suspicious documents or listings
• Record exact dates and times of interactions
• Note any financial losses or attempted fraud
• Include contact information for follow-up
• Provide context about how the situation developed
🔍 Investigation Process
Report Receipt
Security team acknowledges report and assigns case number
Timeframe: Within 2-4 hours
Initial Assessment
Review evidence and determine severity level
Timeframe: 4-8 hours
Investigation
Detailed investigation including account review and verification
Timeframe: 1-3 business days
Resolution
Appropriate action taken and reporter notified of outcome
Timeframe: Within 5 business days
⚖️ Possible Actions
Account Actions
Warning: Formal notice for minor violations
Probation: Temporary restrictions on account
Suspension: Temporary account deactivation
Termination: Permanent removal from platform
Additional Measures
Law enforcement: Referral for criminal activity
Industry alerts: Warnings to other platforms
Enhanced monitoring: Increased scrutiny of related accounts
System improvements: Updates to prevent similar issues
🔒 Reporter Protection
Confidentiality
Anonymous reporting: Option to report without revealing identity
Information protection: Reporter details kept confidential
No retaliation: Protection against retaliatory actions
Secure communication: Encrypted channels for sensitive reports
🛡️ Safety Measures
• Reports are handled by trained security professionals
• Reporter identity protected throughout investigation
• No contact between reporter and reported party
• Additional security measures for high-risk cases
• Regular follow-up to ensure reporter safety
📞 Emergency Situations
Immediate Threats
Physical threats: Contact local law enforcement immediately (911)
Financial fraud in progress: Contact your bank and DealerBe security
Identity theft: File police report and notify credit agencies
Cybersecurity breach: Secure accounts and report to authorities
24/7 emergency line: For urgent security matters requiring immediate attention
📈 Follow-Up and Updates
Case Updates
Status notifications: Regular updates on investigation progress
Outcome notification: Final resolution and actions taken
Additional information: Requests for more details if needed
Case closure: Formal closure notification with summary
Community Impact
Security improvements: Platform updates based on reports
Educational content: New fraud awareness materials
Policy updates: Enhanced security policies and procedures
Community alerts: Warnings about new fraud patterns
📞 Reporting Support
Need help filing a report or have questions about suspicious activity?