CALGARY – Calgary Police are issuing a warning to those trying to buy or sell a vehicle online following in increase in fraud cases.
The victims are often presented with a bank draft for payment accompanied by identification. Once the deal has been completed and the buyer has the vehicle, the seller learns that the bank draft was fraudulent and the ID is fake.
At that point, the seller is unable to track down the stolen vehicle.
The vehicles, usually in the price range of $30,000 to $60,000, are then sold by the culprits to new buyers.
The vehicle identification number is often altered so the new buyer can register the vehicle without any red flags popping up.
The culprits then walk away with the money and the buyer risks losing the vehicle which may later be seized by authorities if found.
The number of cases in Calgary have been steadily increasing over the past few years.
In 2009, there were 14 cases of this kind, 25 in 2010 and 24 so far in 2011.
Online vehicle sellers are advised to accompany potential buyers to a known bank and witness them order a bank draft. They should ensure they have the money before giving the vehicle to the buyer.
Online buyers should ask the seller about the vehicle’s history and ask for the registration documentation.
Red flags include:
– A vehicle that has been re-registered within the past six months.
– Documentation in a name not corresponding to the ID of the seller
– A seller who refuses to provide a picture ID
– A seller who is unable to give clear details about the vehicle’s history and cannot verify anything.
– A seller who will not allow you to come to their residence.
– A seller who cannot provide supporting documentation for the vehicle (maintenance work, oil changes, etc.)
– A vehicle has been previously registered out of the province or country.
– A price that seems unreasonable.
Those who suspect they are being targeted by scam artists should contact police immediately.
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