Ok.. we knew it would only be a matter of time before the scammers would be trying to profit from the government’s latest program rolled out to get our country moving away from our dependency on foreign oil. However, I must say that I can not believe at how quickly they jumped all over the Cash For Clunkers rebate program. Cash For Clunkers is the loose description of the program. It’s real moniker is Car Allowance Rebate System or CARS. The program is designed to provide consumers with a $3500-$4500 credit if they trade in less fuel-efficient cars on news ones that meet certain qualifications.

Scammers are always quick to try and piggyback new programs and trends. Apparently, impostors are telling consumers they need to pre-register or provide their Social Security numbers to be part of the program. Websites have been popping up all over the net that request people to register for the Cash-for-Clunkers program and they will put you in touch with authorized dealers in your area.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), consumers don’t need to register or obtain a voucher to benefit from the program. Instead, dealers will apply a credit at the time of purchase. NHTSA also says the credit applies only to the purchase or lease of a new vehicle; all trade-in vehicles will be destroyed.

We know that most our readers at SmartSecurityPeople.com are already aware of these types of tactics and are quick to steer clear of giving anyone your private information. However, please be sure to pass this information onto others that are less knowing so that they don’t fall prey to the Cash For Clunkers scam.

For more information on CARS, visit www.cars.gov or call the CARS information hotline at (866) CAR-7891 (227-7891).