Veteran Defrauded of $40,000 While Searching for Missing Wife and Pets After Hurricane Helene

A North Carolina Navy veteran has been scammed out of $40,000 as he searched for his wife and their three dogs, who went missing after their home was swept away by the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene.

Rod Ashby, from Elk Park, North Carolina, has been desperately trying to locate his wife, Kim Ashby, and their pets since late September, when their home was destroyed by the storm. The family’s Ford F-350 truck was also damaged in the flood, and Rod was in need of a new vehicle to help him navigate the debris-covered roads and woods as he continued his search.

According to Rod’s daughter, Ansley Ashby, he was looking for a reliable, affordable truck when he came across a website advertising repossessed cars at lower-than-market prices from a Colorado dealership. The site appeared legitimate, and after several phone and email exchanges, Rod decided to purchase a 2020 F-350 for $40,000. He received what seemed to be a formal bill of sale and contract, and after wiring the payment, he was told the vehicle would be shipped shortly.

However, the situation took a turn when the truck continued to appear on the website days after the supposed transaction. Ansley, growing suspicious, contacted the dealership from a different phone number and was told the truck was still for sale. Upon further investigation, she discovered that the site was a scam, impersonating a real car dealership.

“It’s just another gut punch… You just feel so helpless,” Ansley told CNN.

The Ashby family reported the scam to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, where the case is currently under investigation. The real owner of the Colorado dealership confirmed that other individuals had also fallen victim to the scam, where they transferred money without ever seeing the vehicle.

This latest financial blow adds to the Ashbys’ hardships. Kim Ashby, a 58-year-old teacher, has been missing since September 29, when the couple became separated during the flood. She and one other person are still unaccounted for after the storm, which caused widespread destruction and claimed over 200 lives.

Rod and Kim’s daughter, Jessica Meidinger, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the family during this difficult time. As of November 10, the fundraiser had raised over $70,000, with a goal of $100,000.

“Our hearts are breaking more each day, but no one has been more mentally and emotionally impacted than Rod,” Jessica wrote in the fundraiser description.

The funds raised will help cover Rod’s immediate needs, including a replacement vehicle and medical expenses, as well as ongoing search efforts for Kim and the missing pets.

Experts recommend extra caution when purchasing vehicles online to avoid falling victim to similar scams. The Better Business Bureau advises potential buyers to speak directly with the seller, examine the car in person before purchasing, and be wary of deals that seem “too good to be true.” The BBB also suggests avoiding wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or digital wallet payments when dealing with high-value items.

People and Vice contributed to this report.