Buyers have been targeted by an email scam claiming to be from the carsales network recommending recipients visit an online store to view bargain inventory before it’s gone.
The email being circulated is disguised as a carsales Customer Service Team email asking recipients view recommended classic and modern cars. A large “click here” button on the email directs recipients through to a false version (
a ghost website) of carsales.com.au.
Fraudsters are using the ghost website to obtain buyers' contact details, with enquiries placed for false vehicles on the ghost website sending fraudsters the contact details buyers have submitted. Buyers are then contacted by the fraudsters asking for a deposit on the vehicle enquired on.
Email scams like these can include:
- carsales.com.au logos and branding.
- Unusual contact details, including addresses from free email service providers or generic addresses such as email@info.com.au.
- False imagery such as screen grabs of the website or carsales newsletter.
Here's an example of the type of email you might get:
Report it to us
Help us fight scams by alerting us to anything suspicious as soon as possible. If you've received an email or text message you believe to be from a false buyer we want to know about it.
Contact us.
If you think you've received a scam by text message:
You can quickly and easily forward the suspicious text to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for investigation. When you receive a text message that you think might be a scam, forward it to 0429 999 888, the dedicated telephone number for Spam SMS.