by Audi has warned about a fraudulent scheme involving the sale of used cars that is deceiving buyers in Europe.
Criminals have created fake websites under the Audi brand with attractively low prices on automobiles.
An unknown group has already managed to deceive people in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
After housing, a car is typically the most expensive purchase, so many prefer official dealers. However, scammers exploit this trust by creating fake websites.
The automaker published a warning after discovering fraudulent resources that offer used cars at overly attractive prices. These sites use Audi logos, photos of the company’s real sellers, and other elements that mimic official dealerships.
The criminals’ goal is to lure buyers into making advance payments for non-existent cars. Currently, the scheme operates primarily in German-speaking countries – Switzerland, Austria, and Germany – where there are already victims.
“Unfortunately, several customers have already fallen victim to this fraud,” stated Audi. “The company sympathizes with the victims and advises immediately contacting the police.”
The manufacturer has filed a criminal complaint and is cooperating with investigators, but has not yet commented on the possibility of compensation for defrauded buyers.
This story is reminiscent of a similar case in the USA, where scammers used photos of real collector cars to deceive enthusiasts. As an investigation by YouTuber Pleasant Green showed, criminals sometimes even forged ownership documents to reassure buyers.
