Scammers drive away with former cop's Jeep Grand Cherokee: 'I would never do it to anyone else'
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In the digital age, online marketplaces have revolutionised the way we buy and sell items, including cars.
One of the prevalent online marketplaces, Facebook Marketplace, allows anyone to buy and sell items with just a few clicks.
However, this convenience could come at a high cost, as a former police officer fell prey to scammers in a sale that went disastrously wrong.
Andre Azar, who served as a police officer in Lebanon before moving to Australia, listed his 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Mr Azar listed it at a bargain price of $12,000—$5,000 below its supposed market value.
He wanted a quick sale, but what transpired was a cautionary tale for everyone who engages in online transactions.
A young couple responded to his listing and visited his home in Sydney.
'She said they were struggling with money, we felt bad, it's very touching,' Mr Azar said in an interview.
He agreed to the couple's proposal: an $11,000 bank deposit to be done by the couple's father.
The remaining $1,000 will be paid in cash once registration is transferred to its new owners.
When Mr Azar received a bank notification for the deposit, he believed the transaction to be legitimate and handed over the keys to the couple.
However, the funds still needed to be cleared, and a series of alarming discoveries occurred the following day.
His bank account was blocked due to 'suspicious activity'.
According to the bank, the cheque used by the couple to pay for the car was stolen.
When Mr Azar needed clarification from the couple, they were already unreachable.
Service NSW also confirmed that the car's registration had already been transferred without any of the paperwork or payment.
'I was not expecting this to happen because I would never do it to anyone else,' Mr Azar lamented.
This unfortunate incident should be a stark reminder of the risks associated with online sales.
'On Monday, 8 July 2024, officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command commenced an investigation following reports of an alleged online car sale scam in the Greenacre area,' their statement wrote.
'Investigations are ongoing, with police appealing for anyone with information about the alleged scam to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.'
The vehicle had a licence plate of ZOZ 084.
Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to similar scams when buying or selling a car online:
Have you had a bad experience with online marketplaces? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.
One of the prevalent online marketplaces, Facebook Marketplace, allows anyone to buy and sell items with just a few clicks.
However, this convenience could come at a high cost, as a former police officer fell prey to scammers in a sale that went disastrously wrong.
Andre Azar, who served as a police officer in Lebanon before moving to Australia, listed his 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Mr Azar listed it at a bargain price of $12,000—$5,000 below its supposed market value.
He wanted a quick sale, but what transpired was a cautionary tale for everyone who engages in online transactions.
A young couple responded to his listing and visited his home in Sydney.
'She said they were struggling with money, we felt bad, it's very touching,' Mr Azar said in an interview.
Mr Azar's vehicle was stolen by scammers pretending to be a couple in need. Image Credit: Andre Azar
He agreed to the couple's proposal: an $11,000 bank deposit to be done by the couple's father.
The remaining $1,000 will be paid in cash once registration is transferred to its new owners.
When Mr Azar received a bank notification for the deposit, he believed the transaction to be legitimate and handed over the keys to the couple.
However, the funds still needed to be cleared, and a series of alarming discoveries occurred the following day.
His bank account was blocked due to 'suspicious activity'.
According to the bank, the cheque used by the couple to pay for the car was stolen.
When Mr Azar needed clarification from the couple, they were already unreachable.
Service NSW also confirmed that the car's registration had already been transferred without any of the paperwork or payment.
'I was not expecting this to happen because I would never do it to anyone else,' Mr Azar lamented.
This unfortunate incident should be a stark reminder of the risks associated with online sales.
In light of Mr Azar's situation, the NSW Police started a search of his stolen car.'On Monday, 8 July 2024, officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command commenced an investigation following reports of an alleged online car sale scam in the Greenacre area,' their statement wrote.
'Investigations are ongoing, with police appealing for anyone with information about the alleged scam to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.'
The vehicle had a licence plate of ZOZ 084.
Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to similar scams when buying or selling a car online:
- Verify the buyer or seller's identity.
- Secure payment first before handing items over.
- Meet in public places
- Use secure payment methods and avoid cheques or wire transfers from unknown parties.
- Be wary of sob stories often used by scammers for emotional manipulation.
- Do not rush deals and take your time to assess the situation.
- Report suspicious activities to the authorities and the online marketplace.
- Consult with experts if you're unsure about any part of the transaction.
- Keep records of all communications and transactions.
- Stay up to date with common scams by checking resources such as Scamwatch or the ACCC.
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