Regina police issue warning about selling vehicles through classified websites

The Regina Police Service (RPS) is advising the public to exercise caution when selling vehicles through classified websites and social media platforms.

This comes from a recent theft incident on April 12, when a used vehicle was advertised for sale online. The owner of the vehicle was contacted by a man who claimed to be interested in buying the vehicle.

The prospective buyer arrived, and after discussing details with the owner, entered the driver’s seat and asked if he could take it for a test drive.

The owner of the vehicle handed over the keys and began to walk around the front of the vehicle to access the passenger side, but the driver drove off with the vehicle, almost striking the owner, police said.

Police caution that criminals can falsely identify themselves during online transactions, and have been known to search for used vehicles through online classifieds in order to attempt to rob the person and drive away with the vehicle.

The RPS has provided some tips on buying and selling through online classifieds with a stranger:

• Arrange to speak over the phone prior to meeting up to determine if they seem suspicious. If they seem suspicious, remember that you’re not required to carry out the transaction;
• Meet in a public place, ideally, somewhere with video surveillance;
• If possible, have another person with you upon meeting the stranger and be sure to inform a family member or friend before meeting with strangers;
• As an added precaution, take down their licence plate number when they arrive at the meeting point.