The National Auto Auction Association’s Cybersecurity Task Force says auctions need to beware of cockroaches.

But not the insect kind.

The task force’s latest educational resource provides examples of real-life incidents to spread awareness of cybercrime and fraud, while also showing NAAA members how to protect their businesses from persistent criminals.

“There are many bad actors who target dealers and consumers,” the task force said in an email to members, “and once they have access to an entity’s system, they act like cockroaches who won’t go away.

“Once detected, they often pop up again with a variation of their name or fraudulent dealer license until they are caught again, and they tend to be organized crime syndicates that are difficult to be linked and tracked by investigators.”

The report cited the case of a scammer who convinced a dealer to be added to his account. That gave the criminal access to all of the dealer’s payment information, allowing the fraudster to buy 45 vehicles in a matter of days while posing as the unsuspecting dealer, some of them with values as high as $50,000.

In addition, a fraudulent transporter with forged credentials showed up with a “follower” car that didn’t have license plates and looked suspicious, illustrating the danger of fraud in the vehicle transport process.

Fraud can also happen when pickup documentation is manipulated, the task force said.

The group said the auto industry has responded to such cybercrimes through training and changing processes, “but it is always important to keep in mind that the thieves try to be one step ahead and are always acting like cockroaches who won’t go away.”

The NAAA Cybersecurity Task Force previously issued a Cybersecurity Essentials for Auctions document with fundamental steps association members can take to protect against cybercrime.

The Task Force, chaired by NAAA president-elect Eddie Lafferty and including representatives from 12 industry organizations, was created last fall following the NAAA World Remarketing Convention. The group will continue to share information on a regular basis, including a session focused on cybersecurity during NAAA’s 2025 Spring Remarketing Exchange, April 22-24 in Phoenix.

Carolina Auto Auction named UACC’s 2024 Auction of the Year

Carolina Auto Auction has been named United Auto Credit Corporation’s 2024 Auction of the Year, the company said.

The award is presented to an auction that “demonstrates superior performance, exceptional service and a strong commitment to supporting United Auto Credit’s remarketing efforts,” UACC said in a news release.

UACC scores auctions throughout the year based on sale conversion, retention and operational efficiency. The auction with the highest average score earns the title of Auction of the Year.

UACC said Carolina Auto Auction’s “standout performance” made it the clear winner.

“Carolina Auto Auction has been a trusted and valued partner, consistently delivering exceptional results through its professionalism, efficiency and customer-first approach,” UACC vice president of servicing operations Scott Mousaw said. “The team’s ability to adapt, innovate and maintain the highest standards has played a critical role in our success.”

Carolina Auto Auction general manager Vann Humphrey said the award “is a reflection of the commitment and passion our entire team brings every day. We deeply value our partnership with United Auto Credit and remain dedicated to delivering the highest level of service to our consignors and buyers.”