ExAutoTrade has become an example of a typical car scam that led to financial losses for hundreds of buyers. The fraudsters hid behind the guise of a reputable company, offering cars at unusually low prices and manipulating trusting clients through fake documents and reviews. In this article, we will break down how this scam worked and how to avoid similar situations in the future.
- Attractive but Unrealistic Prices One of ExAutoTrade’s main tactics was offering cars at significantly undervalued prices. On the company’s website, ads appeared for cars that, according to the scammers, were being sold at a “great price.” However, these cars didn’t exist—the photos were stolen from other websites, and the prices, far below market value, became a trap for naïve clients who transferred money for booking or advance payments. If the price of a car seems suspiciously low, it’s likely a scam. Always check the market value and pay attention to details that may raise doubts.
- Fake Cars and Forged Documents The scammers created the illusion that they could offer cars at low prices, claiming access to exclusive deals. However, all of this was a lie. The sales ads had nothing to do with reality, and the documents provided to clients were fake. Clients sent money for cars that didn’t exist and lost their funds without receiving anything in return. Before proceeding with any deal, always verify the authenticity of the documents. Only trust verified and licensed sellers.
- Promises Without Bureaucracy The scammers often claimed that they could complete a deal “without unnecessary formalities,” avoiding registration and customs clearance, which seemed convenient for clients. However, this was a way to cover up all traces of the scam, as no official papers for the cars were provided, and the money disappeared. Never agree to deals where they promise the absence of official procedures. Legitimate companies always provide the necessary documentation for processing.
- Prepayment Without Any Guarantees A crucial element of the scheme was asking for a significant advance payment for the “reserved” cars. The scammers assured buyers that once the money was transferred, the cars would be delivered. However, as soon as the funds were received, communication stopped, and buyers could no longer retrieve their money. Pay attention to companies that demand prepayment without official guarantees. Genuine sellers always offer secure payment methods and sign contracts.
- Fraud Through Fake Reviews To build trust, ExAutoTrade actively used fake positive reviews. These reviews appeared on the company’s website and on third-party platforms, creating the illusion of a successful operation. Most of these reviews were written by hired individuals who had no connection to real clients. Always check reviews on independent resources, such as specialized company rating sites. Scammers may post fake reviews on their own platforms, but the truth will eventually come out on external sites.
- Empty Promises of Fast Delivery ExAutoTrade actively promised its clients fast delivery of cars, which seemed to be an important factor for those who wanted to get their car as soon as possible. However, once the money was received, the delivery never happened, and communication with the scammers vanished. If a company promises too-fast delivery times without exact data and documentation, be cautious. Reliable sellers always specify delivery timeframes and processes.
- Changing Websites and Domains When ExAutoTrade noticed that the reputation of its site was suffering from customer complaints, it simply changed the domain and started anew. These scammers used multiple different websites for their scams, creating the illusion that their activity was legal and successful. Check the history of websites and domains. Sometimes a domain change can indicate fraud, especially if the company constantly changes its addresses.
- A Perfect Facade Hiding the Fraud The ExAutoTrade website looked professional: beautiful design, detailed descriptions of cars, tempting offers. But behind this perfect facade was deception. After money was transferred, buyers were left without cars and without communication with the sellers. Pay attention to real reviews and research about the company. Don’t rely on the website’s appearance, as scammers can make it look very attractive to hide their true intentions.
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 a clear example of how scammers use attractive offers to deceive trusting clients. They hide their intentions behind tempting prices, fake documents, and fake reviews. To avoid such situations, always check the reputation of the company, don’t trust deals that seem too good to be true, and demand official documents for the transaction. A real company will never hide information or offer deals that seem too favorable. Be cautious and only make purchases from trusted sellers!