Epsom and Ewell Beat (Surrey Police): PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE LATEST SCAM............ Car sale scam cons victims out of thousands of pounds in West Surrey Surrey Police is investigating numerous linked offences, with victims being conned out of thousands of pounds after falling for a scam which advertises cars for sale at a fraction of their retail price. One woman parted with over £4,000 after responding to an advert on Gumtree offering a car for sale. The victim was told her money would be held in an Amazon flexible payment account until she received the vehicle which she was told would be delivered to her. However, the vehicle never arrived and she was unable to contact the seller. Another victim was persuaded to part with £2450 in a similar scam, after agreeing to pay for the car in full by way of a bank transfer. The victim was contacted again and persuaded to pay a further £750 to allow the vehicle to be shipped. However, the vehicle never arrived, the victim never received a refund and was also unable to contact the seller. PC Chris Bowers, who is investigating a number of the offences which have taken place across West Surrey, said: These victims have parted with thousands of pounds over the last few months in the belief that the money was in exchange for the cars which had been advertised. It seems like a really good deal as the vehicles were being advertised for a fraction of their retail price. However, my advice to anyone in a similar situation is, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is and you should steer well clear.” PC Bowers continued: We have carried out a number of enquiries but we are urging anyone with any information which could help us identify the offenders to get in touch as soon as possible.” If you can help, please contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 45140003956 or, if you prefer not to leave your name, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. surrey.police.uk/news/news-stories/full-news-story/article/9511/car-sale-scam-cons-victims-out-of-thousands-of-pounds-in-west-surrey
Posted on: Thu, 15 May 2014 09:27:41 +0000