Security information for fraud attempts
automo.ch endeavors to guarantee a secure marketplace. To this end, we ask everyone to observe the following safety instructions.
The following safety precautions will help you to actively protect yourself against possible risks when buying a vehicle.
Never send money without inspecting the vehicle in person: Never send money until you have inspected the vehicle in person. Ensure that you have inspected the vehicle and its registration in person before making any payments. Fraudsters publish fake or non-existent offers and pressure their victims to make advance payments for vehicles they will never receive.
Do not buy vehicles from abroad: In accordance with the clear regulations of the automo.ch listing rules, only vehicles located in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein may be offered. If you are offered a vehicle from abroad, please report the advertisement immediately so that we can check the offer.
Be skeptical of tempting offers: Be suspicious if an offer sounds too good to be true. Watch out for unusually attractive prices or very rare models. Beware of offers that give the impression of being a unique opportunity and often require an upfront payment to secure a supposed winning bid.
Be careful with requests for private information: For your own protection, we recommend that you never send copies of private documents such as your passport, ID card, driver’s license or vehicle registration to sellers – especially not as proof of trust. Fraudsters could use this information for fraudulent activities.
Reporting the sending of documents: If you have already sent copies of your passport or ID card, we recommend that you report this immediately to the passport or ID card issuing office in your municipality in order to prevent possible misuse.
The following safety precautions will help you to actively protect yourself against possible risks when selling your vehicle.
Beware of phishing emails and text messages
Scammers send potential victims emails or text messages claiming to have seen the vehicle elsewhere or at a lower price. Their aim is to get victims to click on links to fake websites and steal their login details. Opening links, attached files or images can also lead to your own computer being infected with malware.
This is how you can protect yourself:
Do not open any links, file attachments or images from unknown senders.
Check the source before clicking on links or attached files.
If an email or text message requires action, such as opening links or attached files, check the source carefully. Scammers often use pressure to create a sense of urgency. Always check the details of the sender’s email address to confirm its authenticity.
Check the website link before you enter your login details.
Never log in to your account via a link you receive by email or text message. Fraudsters use this method to redirect you to fake websites.
Scan your emails and text messages with antivirus programs.
Scanning your communications can help you detect malware-infected files before they infect your computer. Regularly update your system automatically and scan it using an antivirus program.
If you suspect fraud, stop communication immediately and report the incident.
If you suspect that someone is trying to defraud you, end the communication immediately and report the incident.