AutoTrader scam

imoneyop

Looks like autotrader is being targetted by scammers using stolen dealer accounts.

My brother is looking for a car at present and saw one he liked listed by a dealer.

The advert had an image with text saying it was a private sale and to contact some email address rather than the dealer.

Bro thought it sounded dodgy, so he got the dealer's number off dir enq and rang them and they didn't know anything about the car and got very cagey when he asked why it was listed by them.

We had more of a look and there are loads of similar listings saying not to contact the dealer.

egyptiancotton

I've found a few similar adverts. Strangely, the description stated to email the seller directly rather than contact the dealer. The cars I looked at were massively under priced. Always use caution. I've reported the adverts to AutoTrader in case there is something fishy going on.

forgotmyname

Have you reported the advert to autotrader though?

maninthestreet

Sounds like a dealer trying to pose as a private seller.

gb12345

maninthestreet wrote: »

Sounds like a dealer trying to pose as a private seller.

It's bigger than that from what I've been told by a friend in the know - multiple dealer accounts with multiple dodgy adverts placed.

See this scam report for examples of the adverts http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=78827 and here is a post detailing how the scam works http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=78840.

fivetide

maninthestreet wrote: »

Sounds like a dealer trying to pose as a private seller.

Nope sounds like straight up scam. Would be fraudster posts up pics of cars at a dealer to make them look legit but asks people to contact them directly rather than speaking to the person whose advert they have ripped off.

Priced cheap to draw in the hopeful.

Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck etc.

Herzlos

That exactly. They are private sellers trying to pose as dealers (and such look more legitimate), either to dodge fees or avoid any protections provided by autotrader. The more likely outcome is that the dealer doesn't know anything about it.

Hoof_Hearted

This has been going on for years on Autotrader and the company turns a blind eye. There have always been under-priced cars offering email contact only and they are all scams.

I like Autotrader and have bought and sold through them but they do not do enough to protect buyers.

DTDfanBoy

Herzlos wrote: »

That exactly. They are private sellers trying to pose as dealers (and such look more legitimate), either to dodge fees or avoid any protections provided by autotrader. The more likely outcome is that the dealer doesn't know anything about it.

Do you believe that the "seller" actually has a car they wish to sell :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:


It's little wonder that these scams exist

gb12345

Herzlos wrote: »

That exactly. They are private sellers trying to pose as dealers (and such look more legitimate), either to dodge fees or avoid any protections provided by autotrader. The more likely outcome is that the dealer doesn't know anything about it.

It has nothing to do with dodging fees.

There are no cars - the adverts are fake.

They are out and out scams, probably run by an organised crime gang, rather than dodgy individuals.

Take a look at the second link I posted before - the criminals divert you to a fake company, who they claim will hold your money for safety. Once you have transferred the money to the fake company, you can kiss goodbye to it.

Jox

Sorry to jump on this thread, just wondering if this is a scam? I saw a car on autotrader, it had 2 photos, I emailed to ask for more photos.

The person who replied said:

"Hi,
My name is xxxx, happy to see you are interested in my Bmw 320 series . Let me give you a few details about it. 104,000 miles, no damage, no accidents, no scratches, garage kept, non-smoker, 1 previous owners. Full clear HPI report, 2 keys, V5, logbook, service book and all handbooks. The price was reduced at £3,500. Because of my divorce settlement, i own this car i don`t need it so i`m trying to get rid of it as soon as possible (that`s why i`m selling it so cheap).
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
Please send me an email at xxx for more pictures and details
Best Regards"

Again, I emailed him to ask for more photos and here is the second reply:

"Hi ,
As I told you in my first email, I recently got divorced. I got a new job and moved to Spain for a new start. The car is already at the shipping company in Manchester sealed and ready for the shipping. My presence won't be necessary because I prearranged the deal with eBay.

I will post the car on eBay and I will give you the URL link to press ''buy it now'' option .

I will explain you explain step by step how does eBay Buyer Protection Program works:

eBay will hold and insure your money until you receive and test the vehicle. This is how their service works. As far as the seller concerns, I will be glad to know that eBay is in possession of the funds during the delivery process. You will pay eBay the required amount ( £3,500.00 ), and they will secure it until you get the vehicle. You will be given a 5 days inspection period during which you can decide whether you keep it or not. If you are satisfied with it, you will confirm that to eBay so they can unblock the funds and send it to me. If you are determined in buying the vehicle, please send me an email with your full name and full shipping address. I will post the transaction mentioning the vehicle details, the price etc on eBay and confirm you as the buyer.

After the transaction is processed they will send you the invoice explaining the exact procedure...it's quite simple."

It's a scam right??