Veteran Scammed Out of $40,000 amid Post-Hurricane Helene Search for Missing Wife and 3 Dogs

A North Carolina veteran has reportedly been scammed out of $40,000 amid his search for his wife and their pets who all went missing after their home was swept away in Hurricane Helene.

Navy veteran Rod Ashby of Elk Park has been searching for his missing wife, Kim Ashby, and their three dogs since late September — when their home was destroyed in the flooding that has devastated North Carolina and nearby states — according to CNN,

Rod’s daughter Ansley Ashby told the outlet that her father’s Ford F-350 truck had been ruined and smashed up by floodwaters, and he was in search of a new heavy-duty vehicle to help him look for Kim, Ansley’s stepmother, in the debris-covered roads and nearby woods.

He had received an insurance payout for his F-350 and was looking for something simple that wouldn’t “break the bank with everything else going on that he could get fairly quickly,” Ansley told CNN.

The Navy vet had come across a website for a Colorado car dealership that was advertising repossessed cars for under market value. According to the outlet, Rod had several phone and email conversations with the dealership, and he eventually tried to purchase a 2020 F-350 for $40,000. He reportedly received a bill of sale and an official-looking contract, and then wired the money to the seller. Rod was told the car would be shipped to him within a few days.

“It seemed legit, to be honest,” Rod’s daughter said.

However, she quickly realized something was wrong when the listing for the car was still online days after the alleged sale. Ansley quickly contacted the dealership from a different phone number. She was told that the truck was still for sale — and that’s when she realized the sale was a scam.

Upon further inspection, she told CNN, the website was made by a scammer impersonating a real car dealership in Colorado.

“It’s just another gut punch,” she added. “You just feel so helpless.”

The Ashby family reported the incident to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in Pittsboro, where Rod and Ansley are living, and the case in under investigation.

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

The owner of the real Colorado car dealership told CNN that he was receiving calls from people who have fallen victim to the scam.

“They are taking the money and people aren’t even seeing the cars (in person) or anything,” the owner said. “They are blindly transferring the money.”

Ansley also said that Rod was candid about why he needed a new truck during his phone conversations with the scammer.

According to the family’s GoFundMe, organized by Kim’s daughter Jessica Meidinger, the 58-year-old teacher has been missing since Sept. 29, three days after Helene initially touched down in Florida.

“Hurricane Helene swept her and my stepdad’s vacation home into Elk River,” Meidinger wrote in the fundraiser’s description. “After several days, Rod was evacuated safely and has been living at our home along with many other family members who have gathered to band together during this difficult time.”

The family told CNN that Rod and Kim became separated while their house was floating away in raging flood waters.

According to Avery County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Van Williams, both police and volunteer crews have been looking in the Elk River for Kim to no avail, per CNN. She and one other person are the only two people left missing after Helene.

“Search and rescue efforts have been underway since September 29th to no avail,” Meidinger continued in the GoFundMe, adding that the money donated would go toward Rod’s home and car, medical bills and other necessary expenses.

As of Sunday, Nov. 10, the GoFundMe has raised more than $70,000 of its $100,000 goal from donations made by 754 donors.

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The Better Business Beareau (BBB) lists several tips for buyers looking for used cars to help them avoid being scammed. In addition, buyers should always speak with the seller over the phone and ask plenty of questions, see the car before buying it, be cautious if extra fees seem like they’re piling up, and consider how legitimate the seller if if you’re being asked to wire funds, use prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency or digital wallet transfers.

“Watch out for prices that are too good to be true. It’s probably a scam. Scammers know that used cars are in demand, and they will tempt shoppers with great deals,” the BBB wrote. “Don’t give in to threats or pressure. Resist the urge to act immediately. Always take time to consider a purchase, especially if it’s a vehicle that costs thousands of dollars.”