--- title: "Fake Audi Websites Are Scamming Used Car Buyers in Europe" date: "2025-05-09" modified: "2025-05-09" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/fake-audi-websites-are-scamming-used-car-buyers-in-europe" categories: - "Audi News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # Fake Audi Websites Are Scamming Used Car Buyers in Europe ![Audi A5 Sedan on road]() *\Audi\* If it's too good to be true, it very likely is. [Audi]() is warning customers about the rise of fraudulent websites scammers are using to lure unsuspecting used-car buyers with shockingly low prices. Surprise! The Audi-branded websites aren't real, and neither are the cars listed for sale. Unfortunately, Audi claims some people across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria have fallen victim to the scheme already, and the automaker is cooperating with the police to find out more. The websites these tricksters are putting up look "deceptively real," according to an [Audi press release](), and these scams must be pretty pervasive to necessitate a bulletin from the automaker itself. Whoever is running these sites is capable of making them look like genuine articles, complete with working phone numbers, email addresses, and even photos of dealer personnel. But, of course, if you see a shockingly cheap deal, it's probably a fake. ![]() *Audi* Audi didn't explicitly say how the transaction phase of these scams works, but one doesn't need a vivid imagination to conjure up a few scenarios. After all, we have very similar situations in the United States. Facebook Marketplace is jam-packed with photos of real cars that aren't actually for sale, and even more legit sites like Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, and others have dealt with fraudsters from time to time. Typically, these scammers demand a deposit to be transferred immediately, or even full payment on more affordable cars. Either way, whatever money those innocent buyers send over gets them nothing. There's no real car, no real dealership, no real business. As far as we know, these sites have only popped up in those three countries, but now that authorities are onto them, they might cool down for a bit and emerge elsewhere. Regardless of where you live, be careful when shopping for a used Audi (or any other car) online and double-check with an actual dealer about any car deals you find. Now I'm just hoping that [Audi A2]() I imported for just $13.37 was legitimate. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()