Spotlight on Crime: Online Car Sale Gone Wrong

Late last year, a resident of Dover attempted to purchase a motor vehicle via the internet. The car they selected appeared to be everything they were looking for: condition, color, mileage, even the options were what they wanted.

They contacted the seller, and after several emails and assurances, the decision was made to wire the purchase price to the seller. The suspect(s) even spoofed a well-known auction site to add to their credibility.

Unfortunately, the car was not delivered, and in fact did not even belong to the seller. The Dover Police Department was contacted and after several months of investigation, it was discovered that the photos and serial numbers for the car were taken from a dealership website in the Carolinas. One suspect has been identified, just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The DPD is currently working with law enforcement agencies in Nevada, and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office to present the facts of the case to the Grand Jury.

The Dover Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents to use caution when conducting business online. Try to deal locally, whenever possible, with reputable businesses. Remember that email addresses can be concealed or disguised to look like they are coming from legitimate businesses. Also, be particularly alert when transactions involve multiple states, or foreign countries. Look for sites that are secure (addresses begin with https: ) and never divulge personal information in response to emails.