Autotrader.co.uk (Domain) Investigation Report
Generated on Feb 10, 2026
Why we think so?
AutoTrader.co.uk is a leading UK vehicle marketplace with over 40 million monthly visits, primarily from the United Kingdom. It is ranked #605 globally and #27 within the UK, categorised under vehicles. The website employs reputable infrastructure like Cloudflare CDN and robust security certificates valid through May 2026. Multiple verified trademark registrations exist for the "Auto Trader" brand owned by TPI Holdings, Inc. Contact information including multiple official emails and UK phone numbers are publicly available. Although the platform itself is not reported as a scam, it hosts listings where scammers target users via fake buyer inquiries, payment fraud, and impersonation schemes. AutoTrader provides safety features such as "Protect Your Number" and a Safety and Security Centre to help users avoid scams. Customer complaint procedures exist with specific contact channels, aiming for resolution within weeks. Some disputes involve dealer protests over platform tools and a notable legal case on undisclosed dealer commissions in car finance, with FCA oversight and impending reforms. Overall, the domain and company have strong legitimacy markers and provide active resources addressing fraud and consumer protection.
Risk Insights
High Traffic and Engagement
- ~40 million visits monthly, mostly from UK
- Strong global and UK traffic rank
- High page views and engagement time
Strong Brand and Legal Presence
- Multiple active trademarks owned by TPI Holdings
- Consistent legal addresses and correspondences
- Active domain registration and SSL certificates
Robust Security and Technical Setup
- Uses Cloudflare CDN and bot management
- Valid SSL cert with strong algorithms
- Modern web technologies and protection
Active Consumer Protection Measures
- Detailed customer complaints procedures
- Safety resources including Protect Your Number
- Regulated under FCA with ongoing reforms
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- User reports describe scams related to third-party fraudulent buyers and payment methods on listings, not platform itself.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Domain Popularity and Traffic
Score: 95
Domain Popularity and Traffic
"Global rank #605, UK rank #27; main traffic sources are direct and search."
Reason: Site has stable, high monthly visits (~40M) mostly from UK users, indicating legitimate and sustained use.
Infrastructure and Technical Signals
Score: 92
Infrastructure and Technical Signals
"SSL issuer WE1, signature algorithm ECDSA with SHA256; technologies include Cloudflare, Javascript libraries, CMS, and payment integrations."
Reason: Uses Cloudflare CDN, valid SSL cert (valid through May 2026), and modern web technologies ensuring secure and performant delivery.
Ownership and Brand Verification
Score: 90
Ownership and Brand Verification
"Trademarks cover advertising and automotive information sectors fitting the company's scope."
Reason: Multiple live trademarks for 'Auto Trader' registered to TPI Holdings, Inc., with active legal status and documented correspondences.
Contact Info Validity and Transparency
Score: 85
Contact Info Validity and Transparency
"Emails include press@, ir@, recruitment@; phone numbers relevant and active; linked social accounts are well-established."
Reason: Numerous verifiable company contact emails and phone numbers are listed, including press, investor relations, and complaints; social media presence consistent.
Blacklist and Scam Detection Checks
Score: 100
Blacklist and Scam Detection Checks
"No matched threats found in current intelligence reports."
Reason: No indications of phishing or malware threats detected via Google Safe Browsing or crypto scam blacklists.
Content and Consumer Feedback
Score: 80
Content and Consumer Feedback
"Complaints process is clearly documented with contact points and resolution timelines; FCA oversight noted for finance disputes."
Reason: No platform-wide scam reports; scam risks relate to third-party listings; company provides active resources and complaint procedures for users.
Your Next Steps
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1
Use the official contact channels for any complaints or concerns.
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2
Always verify seller and buyer information when using the platform to avoid scams.
-
3
Utilize AutoTrader’s Protect Your Number and Safety Centre resources for safer transactions.
-
4
Be aware of legal updates and FCA announcements regarding car finance protections.
Key Evidence & Citations
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AutoTrader SimilarTech Profile
⤷ Shows technologies, traffic rank, and infrastructure details.
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AutoTrader Traffic Analytics
⤷ Provides traffic volume, geography, and site engagement statistics.
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USPTO Trademark Search for AutoTrader
⤷ Confirms legitimate trademark registrations owned by TPI Holdings, Inc.
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AutoTrader Official Contact Information
⤷ Lists email addresses and phone numbers for customer and retailer support.
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Google Safe Browsing Status for autotrader.co.uk
⤷ No risk warnings or blacklisting found.
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Consumer Reports and Scam Information on AutoTrader
⤷ Describes scam risks on listings and available protective tools and complaint procedures.
📌 More checks:
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