NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police is warning citizens to be aware of an ongoing fraud, targeting citizens in the Town of Newmarket who are looking for a good deal on a used vehicle.
The way the fraud works is that an advertisement is placed online for a vehicle, priced well below market value. In one of the cases a 2012 Ford F-150 pick-up truck was advertised for $7,500 when its actual value was more than $15,000. The discounted price motivates potential buyers who respond to the advertisement. Communication is established through text messages and the suspect advises the buyer that if they are truly interested in the vehicle, then they will have to e-transfer a deposit of $500. After the deposit is received, the suspect provides a residential address where the vehicle can be viewed and the final transaction for the balance of the funds can be completed.
When the victims attend the residential address, there is no vehicle for sale and the homeowners have no idea why people keep showing up looking to buy a vehicle.
Investigators have been able to determine that the phone numbers being used by the suspect are fake and spoofed by using an app.
Investigators are warning residents that when they see a deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary if someone is asking you to send them money electronically, without ever meeting the person or seeing the item that you are interested in purchasing.
Investigators believe there are more victims and are asking them to come forward and report their incidents to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext.7141, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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