Volkswagen Warns of Fraud Scheme in Used Car Trade

Volkswagen has issued a warning regarding a current fraud scheme in the used car trade. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, counterfeit websites and offer catalogs are being used to lure potential buyers with particularly low prices for used Volkswagen models. The fraudsters attempt to persuade customers to make deposits or payments for non-existent vehicles. The fake websites and catalogs are designed to appear as official distribution channels of Volkswagen. According to company statements, neither the mentioned distribution tools nor the offered vehicles exist.

The fraudsters use fake email addresses, phone numbers, and bank details to disguise their activities. Volkswagen emphasizes that the company does not sell used cars directly to end customers. Sales are conducted exclusively through certified dealers. This information is crucial for potential buyers to protect themselves from fraud. Affected customers who encounter such fraudulent attempts are urged to promptly inform the police.

In Germany, this can also be done through the so-called online police watches, which allow for quick reporting of suspicious cases. Volkswagen has published a list of web addresses that have been used by fraudsters in the past. The mentioned websites include volkswagen-fahrzeuge.de, vw-finanzierung.de, and vw-vertrieb.de. These sites should be avoided by potential buyers to prevent falling victim to fraud. Additionally, Volkswagen has also released phone numbers that were used by the fraudsters.

These include the numbers 05361 309 3014, 05361 309 3007, and 05361 6130 93007. This information is intended to help identify the fraudsters and take timely action. Volkswagen's warning comes at a time when the used car market is booming in many regions. The demand for vehicles is high, attracting fraudsters who seek to profit from the situation. Consumers should therefore be particularly vigilant and inform themselves about the official sales channels.

Volkswagen has also pointed out that the fraudsters often lure with very attractive prices that are significantly below market value. This should serve as a warning signal for buyers, as such offers are often not legitimate. A thorough examination of the sales platform and the offered vehicles is essential. Volkswagen's security department is working closely with authorities to combat these fraud schemes. The company has already reported several cases and hopes to prevent further financial losses for customers through education and prevention.

Volkswagen plans to intensify its awareness efforts regarding this fraud scheme in the coming months to protect consumers. The security situation in the used car trade remains tense, and the number of fraud attempts could continue to rise. Volkswagen's current warning is part of a broader strategy to combat fraud in the automotive sector. The company is committed to informing the public about potential risks and ensuring customer safety. The police have already initiated preliminary investigations and are requesting tips from the public.

The collaboration between Volkswagen and law enforcement aims to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent further fraud cases. Volkswagen has repeatedly warned about such fraud schemes in the past and appeals to consumers to be particularly cautious when making online purchases. Using official sales platforms and certified dealers is the safest way to avoid fraud. Volkswagen's security department has emphasized that educating about fraud schemes is an ongoing process.

Customers should regularly stay informed about current developments and act immediately if fraud is suspected. Volkswagen's warning is an important step in raising consumer awareness and protecting against financial damage. The number of reported fraud attempts has increased in recent months, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Volkswagen has announced that it will continue its awareness campaigns until the end of 2026 to inform the public about the risks in the used car trade.