Two men are wanted by Durham police after fraudulently claiming mechanical issues to purchase a used vehicle at a discount rate in Scugog.
In January, investigators from the Financial Crimes Unit began investigating two males after receiving information they had damaged a used vehicle to buy it at a lower price.
The suspects responded to a Facebook Marketplace ad and attended the victim’s home to view the vehicle. While test‑driving it, they distracted the victim and deliberately damaged the engine by covering it with oil.
The suspects then falsely claimed the vehicle had serious mechanical problems and that the engine was ruined. Based on these false claims, they pressured the victim into selling the vehicle at a significantly reduced price, said the police.
Both suspects are also currently wanted and facing charges from several other police agencies for similar scams.
Other Victims
Police believe there may be other victims and are asking anyone who has information or who has been defrauded by the suspects to contact them.
A 31-year old and a 26-year old, both from Romania, are also wanted for the crimes. Names and photos of the suspects are attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca.
Anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents is asked to contact A/D/Sgt. Chapman of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5352.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name the accused parties as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.
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