Vehicle scams sold on dark net

Criminals are using the dark net to sell step-by-step guides on how to do vehicle scams, which can include EVs.

In its latest research, UK-based Select Car Leasing dove into the dark web to investigate what could be the source of creating car criminals. It researched motoring related products listed on three popular marketplaces on the dark web to uncover the scams that criminals have in store for drivers in 2022.

Among seven motoring products offered on the dark net is one in which a con-artist can be hired for about NZ$73.19 to list fake vehicles on used car sites.

“Along the same lines of scams, other sellers promise tutorials for creating fake vehicle listings on used car sites, likely to lure buyers into paying deposits on cars that don’t exist before vanishing with the money,” Select Car Leasing says.

Others include a step-by-step guide revealing how to steal keyless cars for NZ$2.93

Using relay technology, thieves can intercept the signal from a key fob and replicate it to trick the car into unlocking and starting up, Select Car Leasing explains.

“Keyless cars now make up 50% of all vehicle theft in the United Kingdom, and it’s clear to see where criminals turn to learn the trick of the trade. For just US$2.00, it’s practically a steal.”

Crims can also hire someone to hack Uber and get listed as a driver for just NZ$1.46.

“Arguably one of the most sinister findings in Select Car Leasing’s research is a listing claiming that for less than a pound, they will hack their way into the company’s database and list someone as a fake driver.

“Although there’s no way of knowing if the scam is technically possible from the surface, it’s scary to consider taxi travellers could be duped by a fake account that has infiltrated the system,” the company says.

“Arguably the most dangerous driving-related service we found on the dark web, and also the cheapest.”

Concerns for illegal drivers being able to access the app have surfaced in the past, most notably in London in 2019 where 14,000 trips were made by unauthorised drivers, including convicted felons, Select Car Leasing adds.

Another is using software that scans licence plates to reveal the owner’s address – also for NZ$1.46.

“The software gives car thieves a pick of any car they fancy as once they’re able to determine the address, they can visit the property, apply their learnings from the keyless car theft guide and drive off with their new motor.”

One seller promises to wipe a vehicle’s history for less than NZ$76.65. “Such a scam would allow a seller to amend their car’s odometer and maintenance history, perhaps covering up high mileages, sub-par repairs, write-offs or even previous owners.”

The dark net also allows people to get a fake driving licence, and buy car GPS trackers

Select Car Leasing asked Bores Consultancy cyber security consultant James Bore about the findings.

“The dark web is a bit of an unclear concept,” he says.

“What it really refers to is any one of a number of parallel internets which is only accessible with a little technical knowledge and is built on a supposed layer of anonymity for users. This level of anonymity and lack of oversight makes it an ideal place for criminal marketplaces and activity, whether that’s guides to carry out particular crimes, or purchasing tools to make them easier.”

Bore believes criminals could use these guides to extend their abilities.