Scam adverts on Autotrader - today's batch

Some time today I'll try and total up how many fraudulent adverts there are outstanding on autotrader currently. That will be the ones that I have detected and reported. I presume that will include most of those I reported yesterday, but I'll double check on that.

Out of the 55 I reported to autotrader yesterday I can only find that one fraudulent advert has been removed. For that reason I'll check to see whether or not any from the day before have been removed. This effectively means that the lists I am making should be considered cumulative, except where I may sometimes double report one.

Meanwhile - todays list.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xf/used-jaguar-xf-2-7d-premium-luxury-4dr-auto-twickenham-fpa-201311290236824?logcode=p

£0 Jaguar XF 2.7d Premium Luxury 4dr Auto

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xf/used-jaguar-xf-3-0d-v6-s-portfolio-4dr-auto-sheffield-fpa-201311290236300?logcode=p

£0 Jaguar XF 3.0d V6 S Portfolio 4dr Auto Diesel Saloon

Link in photo.

Contact me by email at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311290236372/sort/default/usedcars/model/xc90/make/volvo/page/1?logcode=p

£0 Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 SE 5dr Geartronic

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xf/used-jaguar-xf-3-0d-v6-s-portfolio-4dr-auto-sheffield-fpa-201311300255561?logcode=p

£6,000 Jaguar XF 3.0d V6 S Portfolio 4dr Auto Diesel Saloon

Link in photo.

Contact me by email at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xf/used-jaguar-xf-3-0d-v6-luxury-4dr-auto-acton-fpa-201311300255232?logcode=p

£5,700 Jaguar XF 3.0d V6 Luxury 4dr Auto

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

They've hacked another dealer log-in. It'll be a long night.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255215/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 Citroen C5 1.6HDi 16V VTR+ Nav 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected],uk

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255324/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 Volkswagen Polo 1.8T GTI 150 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255339/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,600 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi Type S GT 3dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255367/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,900 Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet Dynamic Eco 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255318/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£3,000 Audi A3 2.0 TDI 170 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255242/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£3,200 Mercedes-Benz E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde [Euro 4] [7] 4dr Tip Auto 3.0

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255311/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£3,300 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Zetec 5dr [6]

Link in photo.

Privat seler!Do Not Call.For any questions contact the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255297/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£3,500 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255360/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£3,500 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SXi [115] 3dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE - DO NOT CALL - If you have any questions please e-mail the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255268/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£4,000 MINI Clubman 1.6 Cooper 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255352/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£4,600 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 S 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255292/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,200 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Sport 5dr [110] [DPF]

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255256/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,700 Audi A4 2.0 TDI 170 S Line 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255246/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£6,000 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi SE [160] 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255230/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£6,100BMW 3 SERIES 320d M Sport 2dr 2.0

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255238/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£7,400 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K 2dr 1.8

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255306/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/649292/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£7,500 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDi SE 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

... and they've hacked another dealer log-in. That's another six pages of fraudulent adverts. The proportion of scams to genuine ads isn't the point. It's the fact that the scam ads are the best bargains that makes them so dangerous to buyers and harmful to advertisers.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254873/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,000 Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 SE 5dr Geartronic

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254890/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,200 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Style 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254941/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,200 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255102/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,200 Audi A2 1.4 TDI Special Edition 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254766/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,300 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 S TDI 70 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254865/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,300 Nissan Micra 1.4 Active Luxury 5dr Auto

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254871/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Zetec 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254881/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 MINI Hatch Cooper 1.6 Cooper D 3dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254977/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 Renault Megane 2.0 T 16V Renaultsport 225 Cup 3dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254998/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 Renault Megane 1.6 16V 110 Dynamique TomTom 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255192/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/postcode/cr26es/page/2/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 Mercedes-Benz A Class A180 CDI Avantgarde SE 5dr 2.0

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255374/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/postcode/cr26es/page/2/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,500 BMW 3 SERIES 320d SE 5dr 2.0

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255064/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£2,900 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SRi 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254861/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£0 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254901/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£0 Honda Civic 2.0 i-VTEC Type R GT 3dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

I don't intend to assist the fraudster, but by making the e-mail addresses complex and alien, like the one above, because it can't be copied and pasted, any potential victim is going to have difficulty using it. Of course simplifying it would help me report them too, but that's the scammers' dilemma. Making their scams difficult to recognise and report, also makes them less effective.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254916/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£0 Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 5dr

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254836/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£0 Fiat 500 1.2 Pop 3dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

For those who haven't seen one of these scam adverts, here's a vehicle that is regularly shown being sold by scammers, with the inserted instruction to contact the scammer direct (I cann now recognse the scams now simply from the same photos they recycle). Any time you see this type of instruction inserted in a photo, it's a scam. The scammer reuses photos of the same vehicles and just inserts new e-mail addies.



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255382/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£0 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 S TDI 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300254907/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£0 Volkswagen Golf 2.0T GTI 5dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300255121/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/21083/page/2/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£0 BMW 3 SERIES 330d M Sport 4dr Auto 3.0

Link in photo.

This is a private sale.Please do not call us,contact the seller directly at : [email protected]

The dealer vehicle search function has now been disabled for the hacked dealer account on autotrader so that I can't pick up the scams that way (with 4 pages left to record) . The last time they did this they didn't remove the scam ads which earned a from me. The solution should be to remove the adverts, and I hope they've done this, because I can still detect them, and I'll mention it, if the only action taken has been to make it more difficult to detect scams.

As the scammers are getting more greedy, they're also getting more sloppy. It's obvious that more than one person is posting the adverts and they aren't properly trained how to hide their tracks and the adverts, and I encourage them to keep up their sloppiness.

We already know that they are East European and based in London. There may be other scammers who don't fit that profile, but they aren't the gang attacking ad sites and getting the most victims through fraudulent bank accounts.

I can't mention what information I have but I'll compile it where only trusted parties can see it and, if it's judged that it may be useful to the police, I'll pass it on.

Well - previously reported adverts haven't been removed. I'm interested to see whether or not the most recent hacked dealer adverts remain in place.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/xf/used-jaguar-xf-3-0d-v6-s-portfolio-4dr-auto-sheffield-fpa-201311300255561?logcode=p

£0 Jaguar XF 3.0d V6 S Portfolio 4dr Auto Diesel Saloon

Link in photo.

Contact me by email at: [email protected]

Reported again.

Well - would you believe it ? Another hacked dealer account.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300252486/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/11001/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£3,500 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 GT TDI 170 3dr

Link in photo.

Privat seler!Do Not Call.For any questions contact the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300252436/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/11001/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£3,700 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Link in photo.

Privat seler!Do Not Call.For any questions contact the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300252460/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/11001/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,000 Volkswagen EOS 2.0 TSI Individual 2dr

Link in photo.

PRIVATE SALE-DO NOT CALL-if you have any questions please email the seller at [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300252494/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/11001/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,900 Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI DPF Match 170 5dr DSG

Link in photo.

Privat seler!Do Not Call.For any questions contact the seller at: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311300252455/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/11001/page/1/postcode/cr26es/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£6,000 Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr 3.6

Link in photo.

Privat seler!Do Not Call.For any questions contact the seller at: [email protected]

Of course, without a website search function to use, I spread my net wider, and I'll pick up more widespread scams, which isn't a problem.

If the scammer uses the description to include the link, then a simple Google search will pick them up, and I get to expose more scam domains being used.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/audi/a4/used-audi-a4-2-0-tdi-170-s-line-4dr-newcastle-upon-tyne-fpa-201312010260962?logcode=p

£5,400 Audi A4 2.0 TDi 170 S Line 4dr

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

Sorry - I'm being a little slow. It's another hacked car dealer account. I've completely lost track of the number of scam adverts and I'll soon lose track of how many dealer accounts have been hacked.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312010260922/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/146272/postcode/cr26es/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£4,700 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI Bluemotion 3dr

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312010260879/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/146272/postcode/cr26es/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,000 Fiat 500 1.4 Pop 2dr

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312010260848/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/146272/postcode/cr26es/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,300 MINI Hatch Cooper 1.6 Cooper D 3dr

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312010260962/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/146272/postcode/cr26es/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,400 Audi A4 2.0 TDi 170 S Line 4dr

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312010260810/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/146272/postcode/cr26es/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,700 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDi 140 GT 3dr

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312010260900/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/146272/postcode/cr26es/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£5,900 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport 5dr [Start Stop]

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312010260950/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/146272/postcode/cr26es/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

£6,900 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 5dr

Link in description.

WE ARE OUT OF OFFICE!!! FOR PICS AND DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

It appears that autotrader have removed a lot of the fraudulent adverts, but I'll check more closely during the day. It's the only way to stop the criminals as they won't spend the time on something that's going to be a complete waste of effort. it almost appears that they've doubled their efforts knowing they're being spotted, but the current level of fraud is ludicrous. In nature a parasite knows better than to destroy the host it feeds off, but these fraudsters (the ones posting the fraudulent adverts) are overwhelmed by greed.

Some people have criticised victims as being greedy fools who should know better, but that seems to fit the criminal performing the crime much better.