ExAutoTrade became a prime example of automotive fraud, ensnaring hundreds of trusting buyers. In an attempt to purchase a car at an attractive price, people fell into traps from which it was almost impossible to escape. Behind the alluring offers was a carefully orchestrated scam. Below, we will break down the main methods used by this fraudulent organization.
- Too Low Prices: A Bait for Trusting Buyers One of ExAutoTrade’s main tricks was offering cars at prices that appeared suspiciously low. To create the impression of “hot” deals, the scammers posted ads with cars priced much lower than the market value. Such offers immediately caught the attention of those looking to save money. However, behind these ads, there was nothing but fiction. The photos of the cars were stolen from other websites, and the information about the car’s technical specifications and condition was completely fabricated. Potential buyers were asked to make an advance payment for “reserving” the car, after which the scammers disappeared, leaving the victims without money and without a car. 💡 Tip: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Real cars are not sold at prices significantly lower than market value.
- The Illusion of Exclusive Offers and Fake Documents ExAutoTrade skillfully exploited customers’ trust by creating the illusion of exclusivity in their services. Buyers were promised access to premium-class cars or popular models with large discounts, explaining it as “special cooperation terms” or “direct deliveries from dealers.” In reality, none of this was true. Neither the cars nor the promised discounts existed. To convince customers of their reliability, the company provided fake contracts, invoices, and other documents that seemed convincing but had no legal standing. After receiving the advance payment, the scammers stopped all communication. 💡 Tip: Verify the authenticity of documents and the company’s reputation. Honest suppliers are always ready to confirm their operations with official paperwork.
- Avoiding Transparency: Deals Without Formalities ExAutoTrade cleverly manipulated customers’ desire to avoid bureaucracy. The company promised “fast and simple” deals, excluding the need for paperwork or tax payments. This created the illusion of reliability and attracted those looking to save time and money. In practice, this strategy allowed the scammers to avoid any responsibility. Instead of the promised cars, customers only received empty promises and counterfeit documents. 💡 Tip: Never agree to deals that bypass legal procedures. Transparency and proper documentation are key signs of a trustworthy partner.
- Payment Without Guarantees: Prepayment as a Tool for Fraud A key element of ExAutoTrade’s fraudulent scheme was prepayment. Potential buyers were asked to make an advance payment for “reserving” the car or for the start of delivery. After transferring the funds, the scammers ceased communication, and all promises of refunds were left as empty words. This scheme deprived customers of the possibility of recovering their money, as payments were often made to anonymous accounts or through systems that made it impossible to dispute the transaction. 💡 Tip: Never transfer money in advance if you are not fully confident in the seller’s reliability. Real companies offer more transparent and secure payment terms.
- Fake Reviews: Creating the Illusion of Success To gain trust, ExAutoTrade actively used fake reviews. Compliments were posted on their website and social media, supposedly from satisfied customers. Most of these reviews were written either by the scammers themselves or by hired copywriters. These reviews created a false sense of the company’s professionalism, leading potential buyers to fall into the scammers’ trap. 💡 Tip: Check reviews about the company on independent platforms. Fake comments often have identical wording and can only be found on the scammers’ own websites.
- Promises of Fast Delivery That Were Never Fulfilled Another way to attract customers was by guaranteeing fast car delivery. ExAutoTrade assured buyers that the delivery would take minimal time, which was especially appealing to those who didn’t want to wait. However, after receiving the advance payment, the delivery dates were postponed, and eventually, all communication ceased. The cars never arrived. 💡 Tip: Real companies always confirm delivery times in advance and provide documents proving the car’s shipment.
- Constantly Creating New Websites to Hide Their Tracks When the number of deceived customers grew and the company’s reputation was completely damaged, ExAutoTrade simply changed their website domain and started operating under a new name. This allowed them to avoid accountability and continue scamming new customers. 💡 Tip: Pay attention to the domain age and the company’s history. If the website is new, it could be a warning sign.
- The Perfect Facade: How Scammers Mask Deception The ExAutoTrade website appeared professional and trustworthy. The stylish design, large selection of offers, and assurances of reliability created a false impression of the company’s legitimacy. But behind this facade was a carefully planned scheme aimed at extracting money. Deceived customers complained that after making the advance payment, they couldn’t receive either the car or their money back. 💡 Tip: Don’t trust a website’s appearance. Make sure the company truly operates in the market and has a verified reputation.
ExAutoTrade Scammers’ Contacts: • Instagram: instagram.com/ex_trade_auto
• Instagram: instagram.com/ex_auto_trade
• Telegram: t.me/exautotrade
• Phone numbers:
+359 243 724 10
+359 87 754 5092
• Email: [email protected]
Conclusion ExAutoTrade is an example of how scammers use buyers’ trust and attractive offers to profit from their desire to save money. To avoid falling into such traps, it’s important to stay cautious: verify the company, demand documents, avoid prepayments, and always look for reviews on independent platforms. Organizations like ExAutoTrade operate with cunning and sophistication. They create the illusion of professionalism and reliability but are, in reality, fake entities whose goal is to scam money and disappear without a trace. Remember, caution is your best ally in protecting yourself from fraud.
