A new scam targeting used car buyers has emerged, with fraudsters setting up a fake auction website to deceive potential customers. The scam was uncovered when a prospective buyer contacted Car Dealer, expressing suspicions about Elvaron-Ltd.co.uk, a website they were about to make a purchase from. The fraudsters behind this operation have gone to great lengths to create a convincing website, even stealing articles, buying guides, and graphics from reputable sources like Cazoo and Driving Electric.

Unlike other reported scam websites, Elvaron-Ltd.co.uk lacks the typical telltale signs of fraudulent online car dealerships. The website claims to have a customer base of over 16,000 satisfied customers and boasts selling 19,000 cars without any reported issues. Buyers are given the option to bid on cars or purchase them at a lower-than-market-value fixed price.

To establish credibility, the scammers require buyers to create an account and provide proof of identity, such as a driving licence and a utility bill. This additional step aims to build trust and convince buyers that the operation is legitimate. Furthermore, users are obliged to sign up for a subscription starting from £2,000 per year, promising one vehicle purchase per week, free delivery, a seven-day money-back guarantee, and a 90-day warranty.

Car Dealer magazine reached out to a director of the genuine Elvaron Limited, who confirmed that the scam website was in no way associated with their company. The director emphasized that the real Elvaron Limited is a legitimate company and not involved in car trading. Upon discovering the scam, they promptly reported the incident to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting center.

This new scam underscores the increasing sophistication of online fraudsters, as they meticulously replicate legitimate websites to deceive unsuspecting consumers. It serves as a reminder for car buyers to exercise caution when engaging in online transactions, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar sellers. Verifying the legitimacy of a company through independent sources, such as contacting them directly or conducting thorough research, can help avoid falling victim to such scams.

Authorities, businesses, and consumers must remain vigilant and report any suspicious websites or activities to the appropriate channels to help combat online fraud and protect potential victims from financial loss and identity theft.

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