Fake Car Company Stole Over $38K From Customers: Holmdel Police

HOLMDEL, NJ — A woman has been charged with theft by deception and computer theft after creating a fake car company to scam customers, Holmdel Police said.

Ariel Cruz, of New York, is accused of creating the fake company D&J Auto Transportation as a front to sell cars through fraudulent online ads, police said.

When a Holmdel resident tried to buy a vehicle through an Instagram ad for D&J Auto Transportation, police said they were provided with an electronic title, invoices and other paperwork.

After wiring $16,000 to Cruz, police said the Instagram ad, company website and phone number were all deleted.

An investigation revealed that Cruz not only stole funds from the Holmdel resident, but also scammed victims in New York and California. In total, Cruz stole $38,200 from victims.

Cruz was released on a summons pending a future court date, police said.