Fraud
Mercedes warns of fake used car offers
Favorable prices, false promises: fraudsters collect by appearing as a Mercedes-Benz. The car manufacturer warns of false offers for used cars – and has tips for its customers.
Mercedes-Benz warns of a fraud stitch with fictitious used car offers. “Currently unknown perpetrators are currently sending fake catalogs, purchase contracts and invoices on behalf of Mercedes-Benz,” said the car manufacturer from Stuttgart. The goal is to persuade potential customers to pay or pay for non-existent used cars.
According to the company, the fraudsters show that the vehicles are offered by Mercedes car dealers or sellers – often at particularly affordable prices. To do this, use fake email addresses and relate to real locations and contacts. In some cases, however, fictitious company names would also be used.
It is a targeted attempt to fraud, which has already been damaged by customers. That is regretted. The company has therefore filed a complaint – among other things for fraud and forgery of documents. They work with the investigative authorities. Those affected could contact any police station. How many such cases have existed so far and how high the damage caused was initially not known.
Clear advice: first check, then pay
The company calls for special caution. In suspected cases, recipients of emails should carefully check the sender and never transfer money without having seen a vehicle beforehand. In the event of uncertainties, the group recommends contacting authorized dealers and branches. An overview can be found on the Mercedes-Benz website. Customers can also contact customer service under 00800 9777 7777.
dpa
Source: Stern
