Gasgoo Munich- Late on November 5, Volkswagen (China) Investment Co. Ltd. issued a statement warning that scammers have been impersonating the automaker and regulatory bodies. In a phishing scheme, fraudsters are sending fake recall text messages to vehicle owners, directing them to unofficial links to harvest personal data under the guise of processing recall procedures.
Screenshots circulating online show the messages falsely claiming that certain Volkswagen models are equipped with defective airbags. The texts demand that owners complete recall registration within a strict deadline, using threats of voided warranties and full liability for any accidents to pressure recipients into acting quickly.
Image Source: Volkswagen
Volkswagen clarified that these messages and any attached documents are not official recall notices. The automaker urged owners to avoid clicking suspicious links, replying to such texts, or sharing personal and vehicle details.
It is worth noting that the State Administration for Market Regulation did issue a recall notice for Volkswagen on November 4. However, that recall covers imported Golf and Tiguan models, as well as domestically produced Teramont and Audi Q3 vehicles, due to a risk of corrosion and breakage in steering gear fixing bolts. This legitimate recall is unrelated to the fraudulent airbag messages currently circulating.
Volkswagen advised owners to verify recall information through the official website of the Defective Product Recall Management Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation (www.samrdprc.org.cn) or via official channels from its joint ventures.
