A US-based con artist operating phony auto auction websites aimed at Africa has been exposed.
Alexander Rudsky, a US-based scammer, is behind a network of bogus car auction websites that target African consumers, according to an extensive investigation by EconomyPost.
Sites like Old Merchant, Quality Assurance Autos (Qa Autos), Salvage King, and Monster Exports are all part of Rudsky’s network of lies. Customers, primarily from West Africa, are drawn to these websites by alluring car offers that, after being paid for, are never delivered. The fraud committed by Alexander Rudsky is ingenious. He avoids detection by frequently rebranding and shutting down websites under various aliases and business names.
Investigators discovered links between his identities and inactive business registrations throughout states, despite the fact that his companies—like Qa Autos in Florida—are frequently lawfully registered. After paying to US-based bank accounts and receiving false bills, victims discover that Rudsky’s staff is inattentive when they ask questions concerning the cars they have acquired.
In November 2023, Nigerian entrepreneur Maximus Obumneme came upon Qa Autos and Old Merchant. He was drawn to their products and made a purchase since he thought the businesses were trustworthy.
But as soon as he made the payment, the conversation stopped. Victims of Rudsky’s network have reported losing thousands of dollars, and similar instances are common. In one instance, a Nigerian customer who tried to buy a car through Salvage King, another of Rudsky’s businesses, was duped out of about $20,000.
Victims’ attempts to contact US agencies for assistance have largely failed. The FBI, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Florida Attorney General’s office did not respond to inquiries. Despite complaints since 2013, victims say US officials have not taken any effective action. Florida Assistant Attorney General Michelle Kramer and other agency representatives declined to comment on the continuing allegations. The global reach of Alexander Rudsky and his capacity to avoid punishment draw attention to serious difficulties in the implementation of cross-border consumer fraud laws.
Working with partners in Ghana and Nigeria, Rudsky has avoided prosecution for more than ten years.
His strategies are especially concerning because they combine digital marketing with polished websites and social media advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. According to the study, he is not operating alone; rather, a network of associates is assisting him in continuing his scams in several nations.
In addition to monetary losses, victims have encountered legal issues within their own nations. Following complaints from customers, a Nigerian auto dealer was briefly arrested and questioned by local authorities after unintentionally purchasing from Qa Auction. This hypothetical situation highlights the detrimental effects of Rudsky’s deception on both the purchasers and the middlemen who participated in his deceptive schemes.
The inquiry highlights the urgent need for more robust international collaboration in the fight against cybercrime. Since Rudsky’s businesses were registered in the United States and looked legitimate, many of his victims had no reason to have any doubts about them.
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However, Rudsky’s abuse of legal and online commerce flaws highlights the risks that consumers confront when making online car purchases.This research serves as a reminder about the significance of due diligence, especially for African purchasers, as online car transactions continue to rise. The length of time Rudsky was able to operate covertly raises significant questions regarding regulatory monitoring. His example continues to serve as a warning about the risks associated with the online auction sector for the time being.
