Online car scams in Desenzano: the Nidesti case and fake ads

Recently, the dealership Nidesti in Desenzano del Garda fell victim to an online scam that exploited its reputation to deceive unsuspecting buyers. Criminals hacked the company’s profile on AutoScout24, posting fake ads for cars at rock-bottom prices and prompting customers to pay deposits to “secure” the deals. Owner Cristian Nidesti recounted how a well-orchestrated scam began with a phone call from a supposed security center, convincing him to share a verification code that granted access to his profile. Within hours, the dealership received dozens of inquiries from potential customers interested in vehicles that were never for sale, while the scammers collected deposits of up to 2,000 euros each. One young man showed up at the dealership believing he had purchased a Toyota Yaris after already paying the deposit. This incident highlights the risks of online scams related to fake dealership ads, emphasizing the importance of exercising caution by always verifying offers and contacting companies directly through official channels before making any payments. Italian Version