The automaker is urging customers who were defrauded by these fake Audi websites to get in touch with law enforcement, and Audi is helping with the current investigation
Audi has issued a strong warning to potential used car buyers, particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, about a growing problem: sophisticated fake websites designed to look like legitimate Audi dealerships. These fraudulent sites are luring unsuspecting individuals with offers of used Audi vehicles at prices that seem unbelievably low.
The automaker has confirmed that these websites are indeed scams, and the cars listed for sale do not exist. Sadly, a number of people in these European countries have already fallen victim to these deceptive practices, prompting Audi to actively cooperate with law enforcement authorities in their ongoing investigation.
According to an official Audi press release, the level of detail and authenticity on these scam websites is alarmingly high. The perpetrators have gone to great lengths to make the sites appear genuine, even including functional phone numbers, email addresses, and, in some cases, photographs of what appear to be dealership personnel.
However, the core red flag remains: any online offer for a used Audi that seems drastically cheaper than market value should be treated with extreme suspicion.
While Audi has not explicitly detailed the exact methods used to extract money from victims, the article draws parallels to similar scams prevalent in the United States, such as those found on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and, occasionally, even on more reputable automotive websites.
The typical modus operandi involves demanding an immediate deposit or, for lower-priced vehicles, full payment upfront. Regardless of the amount, any money sent by these unsuspecting buyers vanishes, as there is no actual car, dealership, or legitimate business behind the transaction.
Currently, these fraudulent websites are known to have surfaced primarily in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. However, the article suggests that as authorities begin to crack down on these operations, the scammers may temporarily cease activity in these regions only to reappear elsewhere.
The overarching message, regardless of a buyer’s location, is to exercise extreme caution when shopping for a used Audi, or any vehicle for that matter, online. It is strongly recommended to independently verify any enticing deals by directly contacting an authorized dealership to confirm the legitimacy of the offer. The author humorously concludes by expressing hope that a suspiciously cheap Audi A2 import was indeed a genuine transaction.
