Fake Limo Service Scams East Lyme Resident, Police Say

EAST LYME, CT — Police are warning residents to "be cautious of Facebook advertisements" due to a scam involving airport pickups.

An East Lyme resident found an advertisement for a limousine service on Facebook in July. They called and made arrangements to be picked up at home and taken to the airport. The person made payment in advance.

However, the limo never showed up.

The victim made several unsuccessful attempts to get a refund, then called police.

Mitch Kloter, 25, of Coventry, was found to be operating a limousine service without a permit and scamming customers who pay in advance, according to police.

He was arrested Tuesday by warrant. Kloter was charged with telephone fraud and operating a livery service without a permit.

He was released after posting bond.

"Theft and fraud, in any form or price point, is not tolerated in East Lyme," police said. "We remain committed to protecting our citizens and holding offenders accountable. If you commit crimes in East Lyme, expect to get arrested or have a warrant for your arrest in the future."

Complaints against Kloter's business, Eastern Transportation and Rentals, have been stacking up. Last month, the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut issued a warning regarding the company.

Read more: Consumer Complaints Piling Up Against Connecticut Transportation Service, BBB Says

A consumer had reported that they contacted Kloter and paid $425 for an airport pickup. The driver didn't show up. Then for the return trip, Eastern Transportation sent a different driver, who charged the consumer an additional $224 as the driver claimed he had not been paid by Kloter, according to the complaint.

This was one of more than 10 complaints filed against the company in July and August. Towns included in the complaints are Niantic, Ellington, Newington, South Windsor, Enfield and Glastonbury.

Kloter also claimed the business was licensed by the state, but the BBB said the company did not "have any permits or licenses on file, nor do they have an active business registration with the CT Secretary of the State."

A reporter's call to a number listed for Eastern Transportation seeking comment was not immediately returned.