Audi issues warning on used-car trade fraud in DACH region

Audi alerts to used-car fraud with fake websites and catalogs

Audi has issued an official warning about a wave of fraud targeting the used-car market. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, fake websites and catalogs are circulating, carefully designed to look like the brand’s legitimate sales channels. Criminals are offering non-existent Audi cars at unusually low prices, using fabricated email addresses, phone numbers and bank details. In some cases, they even rely on photos of real employees from authorized dealerships to reinforce credibility.

Several customers have already fallen victim to the scheme, which prompted Audi to take legal action. The company has filed a criminal complaint and confirmed it is cooperating with the authorities. German agencies have also been emphasizing the dangers of so-called “fake shops,” urging consumers to contact the police immediately if they suspect fraud.

Consumer protection experts and law enforcement recommend sticking to official sales channels, such as the Audi Gebrauchtwagen :plus program, and using tools like the German “Fakeshop-Finder” to verify suspicious sites. Above all, they warn against transferring advance payments whenever doubts remain about the authenticity of a deal.

This is not the first time the automotive industry has been targeted. Volkswagen has also faced similar scams in recent months, underlining the broader scale of the problem. While investigations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are ongoing, one conclusion is already clear: digital security in the automotive trade is becoming a defining challenge for the future.