U.S.-Based Scammer Exposed for Targeting African Car Buyers Through Fraudulent Auction Websites
An investigation by EconomyPost has uncovered a sprawling network of fraudulent car auction websites run by U.S.-based scammer Alexander Rudsky, who has defrauded unsuspecting buyers across Africa, particularly in West Africa.
Rudsky operates under multiple aliases and through a series of deceptive platforms, including Old Merchant, Quality Assurance Autos (Qa Autos), Salvage King, and Monster Exports. These websites offer seemingly unbeatable deals on cars, luring buyers into paying upfront for vehicles that are never delivered.
Rudsky’s operations are highly organized, using rebranding tactics to evade detection. He frequently changes business names and shuts down websites once complaints accumulate. His companies, such as Qa Autos, are often legally registered in states like Florida, giving them a veneer of legitimacy. However, investigators discovered ties between Rudsky’s aliases and inactive business registrations across multiple states.
Victims are typically provided with professional-looking invoices and asked to transfer funds to U.S.-based bank accounts. Once payments are made, Rudsky’s team cuts off communication, leaving buyers in the lurch.
According to BusinessDay, a Nigerian businessman, Maximus Obumneme, was among those defrauded. In November 2023, he encountered Qa Autos and Old Merchant while searching for cars to import. Convinced by their professional presentation, he made a purchase, only for communication to cease immediately after payment.
“I thought I was dealing with a legitimate company,” Obumneme said. “Everything seemed above board until the silence began.”
In another case, a Nigerian buyer lost nearly $20,000 attempting to purchase a car through Salvage King, one of Rudsky’s many fraudulent brands.
Victims’ attempts to seek justice from U.S. authorities have largely been met with indifference. Complaints filed with the Florida Attorney General’s office, the FBI, and the Department of Motor Vehicles have yielded little progress, despite records of Rudsky’s scams dating back to 2013.
Michelle Kramer, an assistant attorney general in Florida, and other officials declined to comment on the ongoing complaints. Rudsky’s ability to evade prosecution highlights significant challenges in addressing cross-border consumer fraud.
The investigation revealed that Rudsky works with accomplices in Nigeria and Ghana, leveraging a network of partners to maintain his fraudulent schemes. His operation combines digital marketing expertise with professional-looking websites and targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Victims have suffered not only financial losses but also reputational and legal consequences. One Nigerian car dealer, who unknowingly purchased from Qa Auction, faced detention and questioning by local authorities after customer complaints.
This case underscores the urgent need for stronger international collaboration to combat online fraud. Rudsky’s exploitation of legal and regulatory loopholes demonstrates the vulnerabilities in cross-border e-commerce.
Many victims were misled by the professional appearance and U.S. registration of Rudsky’s companies. “It’s a cautionary tale for anyone purchasing vehicles online,” said an investigator. “The combination of digital sophistication and weak enforcement creates a perfect storm for fraud.”
As online car sales continue to rise, the investigation serves as a stark warning about the importance of due diligence. Rudsky’s decade-long ability to operate undetected raises serious questions about regulatory oversight and consumer protection.
Culled from BusinessDay
