All car owners want to keep their new vehicle as safe as possible. BMW drivers have invested in luxury vehicles, making them prime targets for scams. Everyone should be familiar with some cons, but a few specifically for BMW owners require an extra level of research. 

1. The Lottery Email Scam

BMW and other car owners have received emails from scammers indicating they have won the BMW lottery. Some are vague, only stating they have won a BMW-related prize, and some explicitly note there is a free car for you with a sizable check of over a million dollars.

Never respond to emails providing any information. A good rule of thumb is to default to the adage that if something is too good to be true, it probably is — this mindset will save countless people from scams. Avoid receiving these emails by reporting them as spam, and update or install malware and antivirus software on your machine to ensure total protection. 

BMW has a list on its site denoting the fraud initiatives affecting customers, most of which have similar setups — targeting email users stating they have won a prize. It doesn’t matter if it’s from the nonexistent lottery or company promotion department — they don’t exist.

2. Spear-Phishing

You may have heard of phishing, but spear-phishing is an advanced form. Phishing is when a cybercriminal attempts to steal information by posing as a reliable source, such as a close friend or colleague, increasing the likelihood of success by earning your trust more quickly.

These spear-phishers will likely not attack BMW owners personally. Most cybercriminals target businesses, such as dealerships or databases, to obtain customer information first. They do this by looking at employee social media accounts and messages from friends to gain a more authentic-appearing identity.

Stay up to date with BMW-related news, as customer databases have been targets of spear-phishers in the past.

3. Fake Car Buyers

There have been several instances recently of fake BMW buyers setting up meetings to purchase vehicles from owners. Then, behind their back, they pour oil into the water coolant system — or vice versa — to damage electronics. 

When the imposter buyers then test drive the vehicle, it causes severe problems under the hood. This is to convince the seller the car is damaged and should give them a drastically reduced offer, some by over 60%.

To ensure you’re getting the most value from your BMW, think through maintenance versus selling and research legitimate buyers or trade-ins at your dealership for a newer model. Google is also a great resource to verify individuals’ names who claim to be representatives from BMW or local used car companies.

4. Physical Mail From a BMW Division

BMW owners have reported receiving mail from either the BMW Automobile Transfer Division or the Vehicle and Entitlement Assignment Division. These mailings aim to inform the owner of an opportunity to hire someone to sell their car on their behalf — a consigner — by tempting them with a high cash value return.

These mailings have required owners to pay a fee, complete a form and mail it to the Netherlands, where BMW does not have any affiliation. Be aware of these letters. Car dealerships sometimes offer to buy used cars, but you should always verify these offers by calling them first. 

5. Car Repair Scams

The best schedule to follow for your BMW’s maintenance is from the operational manual. Use it as a resource when discussing needed upkeep with your mechanic. Many attempt to price-gouge or charge drivers for unnecessary services or mispriced car parts. The options are endless, from inflated quotes to unnecessary services like fluid flushes — especially if the mechanic can sense the driver doesn’t have a lot of vehicle maintenance know-how.

The best course of action for BMW owners is to go to a trusted dealer and use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This honors your warranty, and recalled parts will be fixed for free. If a price or service sounds unnecessary or suspicious coming from a mechanic, always call for a second opinion from a trusted friend, contact your dealership if you’re somewhere else or walk out the door if you think there’s something wrong.

Be Aware of BMW Scams

Fraudulent activity is getting increasingly more creative. These are not all the scams out there, but knowing a few will help you recognize more in the future. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an offer, repair or service, exit the situation and consult the dealership.

You should also report the problem to BMW to notify them of suspicious activity that may affect other car owners. This awareness gives drivers a sense of security so they can enjoy their vehicles without worry.