Quito Authorities Close Two Iñaquito Dealerships After $2,500 Vehicle-Deposit Complaints

A Quito vehicle-buying warning is worth noting if you are shopping through social media.

Expreso reports that two vehicle dealerships in the Iñaquito sector were closed by the Agencia Metropolitana de Control (AMC) and the Policia Nacional after multiple citizen complaints tied to a suspected scam.

How The Alleged Scheme Worked

According to Expreso, the dealerships promoted vehicle models through social media to attract buyers. Gustavo Chiriboga, metropolitan supervisor of the AMC, said possible buyers contacted the dealerships through social networks where a wide variety of vehicles were offered.

Expreso reports that preliminary investigations found the alleged sellers asked interested buyers for transfers of approximately $2,500 as part of the purchase process.

After receiving the money, the people responsible allegedly stopped responding to messages or repeatedly extended vehicle-delivery deadlines. The complaints also say buyers waited for weeks or even months without receiving the vehicles.

What Authorities Found

The AMC confirmed that the closed establishments did not have municipal operating permits. Expreso also reports that victims have filed complaints with Ecuador's Fiscalia General del Estado for an investigation into the alleged scam.

During 2025, the AMC has started 22 sanction procedures against vehicle dealerships operating without business licenses in Quito, according to Expreso.

What This Means for Expats

If you are buying a car in Quito, especially from a social-media lead, verify the dealership's operating status before sending money. A lower price or fast-approval pitch is not worth a $2,500 transfer into a deal that has not been independently checked.

Source: Expreso