Autotrader - today's hacked dealer page(s)

The scammers' probably have a good idea of how this goes by now, which is probably why hey don't appear to have their hearts in their work any more. Anyway it would be unfair for me to deprive them of my special care and attention.

[email protected]
Nissan QASHQAI+2 1.5 dCi Tekna 5dr

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312090430542/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/45123/page/2/postcode/sl11xd/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

PRIVATE SALE!!PLEASE DON'T CALL! CONTACT THE OWNER AT: [email protected]

I found from last night that I can get them all reported and compiled within half an hour.

Toyota Prius 1.5 VVTi T4 Hybrid 5dr CVT Auto CONTACT: [email protected]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201312090430617/sort/default/usedcars/dealer/601117/postcode/sl11xd/page/1/advert-type/dealer-stock?logcode=dsp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/used-land-rover-range-rover-evoque-2-2-sd4-prestige-5dr-auto-lux-pack-sheffield-fpa-201312090430926?logcode=p

[email protected]
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2.2 SD4 Prestige 5dr Auto [Lux Pack] Diesel

Nice one.

I ran into this guy michaelcharl33 last night via a different listing (SEAT dealer page also) for an X5. I thought it was fishy, price too good, seats didn't look like the description, why was a SEAT dealer listing a BMW? etc.

How does this scam work anyway, when they're supposed to be selling a car?

Most times a genuine dealer has had their log-in details phished and the scammer group go in and, either insert their own adverts, or amend the dealer's adverts with instructions to contact the scammer direct and not the dealer. Of course, this harms the honest dealer, the buyer victim and all other dealers advertising with autotrader who can't compete with the silly prices the scammer offers. Every time a buyer is scammed, an honest trader loses a potential buyer. Also, who pays for the fraudulent adverts ?

The scammer usually offers the buyer a bogus scheme that is supposed to guarantee the security of his payment and sends him a 'spoofed' page to support this idea. The buyer is then instructed to pay the money to the account of a money launderer, usually in the UK, but sometimes abroad. The account name is often mangled to make it less suspicious whilst remaining acceptable to the receiving bank. I won't go into it in too much detail as I don't want to train up other would be scammers who might read my post.

A scammer who is caught doing this will go to prison but unfortunately not enough are being caught.