Police investigate online vehicle fraud involving staged mechanical issue

CTV News

10 hours ago

Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a fraud scheme after a vehicle seller was targeted through an online buy-and-sell platform.
On August 2, police received a report from a seller in the Hespeler area of Cambridge who said a man and woman with an infant showed up to view their listed vehicle.
Investigators believe the male suspect distracted the seller and tampered with the vehicle by applying oil to the muffler before taking it for a test drive. The oil reportedly caused smoke to pour from the hood and exhaust, mimicking a mechanical issue.
After the drive, police say the man attempted to purchase the car for significantly less than the asking price.
When the seller confronted the pair, they fled the area in an unplated Kia, last seen heading toward downtown Hespeler.
The male suspect is described as South Asian, with a heavy build and dark hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, shorts and a tan-and-black waist pack.
Waterloo Regional Police are asking anyone who may have had a similar experience while trying to sell a vehicle to contact the General Investigations Unit – Commercial Fraud at 519-570-9777 ext. 6365.