Investigators Warn Buyers of Online Vehicle Scam October 8, 2008 - Investigators with the Houston Police Major Offenders Division Computer Crimes Unit have received reports of incidents in which suspects are placing ads online for fictitious vehicles for sale. Major Offenders Division Computer Crimes Unit Senior Police Officer D. Domagas reported: Suspects are posting fictitious vehicles for sale on the Web site “Craigslist.com.” The unknown suspect(s) contact the victim via e-mail, posing as a representative of the company Ebay Inc., and provide instructions to the victims as to how to make payment arrangements for the vehicle purchased. According to investigators, buyers are instructed to send the funds through “Moneygram,” which are actually being picked up at several “Moneygram” locations in the Houston area. The buyers are unable to communicate with the suspect(s) after the money is retrieved and they do not receive the vehicles or refunds. At least four people have been scammed in the fraudulent operation. Anyone who may have information in such incidents or believe they may have been victimized is urged to call Officer D. Domagas with the HPD Major Offenders Division Computer Crimes Unit at 713-308-3100. |
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