Rental Company Scam Targets Victims Around Puget Sound: Seattle Police

SEATTLE — Seattle detectives are investigating a Pierce County business owner on suspicion of fraud in a rental company scheme where victims invested in heavy equipment but saw none of the profits.

In a news release Tuesday, the Seattle Police Department said the suspect runs several businesses in Tacoma, Parkland, and Spanaway, including:

• Truck Rentals Co.
• Bobcat Rentals Co.
• Anytime Rentals Co.
• Seattle Equipment
• Bobcat Plumbing
• Bubba Rents
• Bubba Gump Group
• Divisions Maintenance Group
• Royal Cove Capital
• Boyd Tree Service
• Equipment Rental Co.
• Snow Removal Co.

While the case is ongoing, detectives said releasing preliminary findings could help identify more victims around Seattle and Tacoma.

Police said the man found some victims by posting on websites like "BizBuySell," where he solicted funds to by dump trucks and other machinery, promising to split rental profits with each investor. After purchasing the machinery, police said the man accessed victims' private information and opened new accounts in their names, while failing to pay out any of the profits.

Investigators said the title documents were only in the suspect's name, making him the sole owner of each piece of equipment.

Anyone who may be a victim of fraud in the case, or a similar situation, can contact Seattle detectives via e-mail.