Peterborough County OPP arrested three individuals after an attempted vehicle scam was reported by a local resident.
Police say the incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, when a resident with a vehicle listed for sale online was contacted by three people who arranged to view the car. During a brief test drive, the suspects claimed the vehicle had excessive oil leaks and required costly repairs, then tried to pressure the owner into selling it for a lower price. The complainant, aware the vehicle had no issues, declined the offers and contacted the OPP.
Officers located and stopped a vehicle matching the description provided. All three occupants were arrested. The driver could not produce a valid driver’s licence or insurance, and the plates on the vehicle were not registered to it. The vehicle had recently been purchased and was linked to a similar scam in another region.
Those arrested include:
Marius Zorila, 31, Pickering
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Fraud over $5,000
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Mischief under $5,000
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Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
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Driver fail to surrender licence
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Fail to have insurance card
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Drive motor vehicle, fail to display two plates
Constantin Tanase, 26, Scarborough
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Fraud over $5,000
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Mischief under $5,000
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Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Michael Tanase, 22, Ajax
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Fraud over $5,000
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Mischief under $5,000
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Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
All three were released with conditions and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on March 10, 2026.
The OPP are reminding residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraud, suspicious offers, or contractor activity. Anyone targeted by a scam should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
More information on recognizing and protecting against scams is available at ontario.ca/page/identify-scam-or-fraud. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at stopcrimehere.ca or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
