Peterborough Police are warning residents about a scam targeting people selling vehicles through online marketplaces after receiving several reports over the first five months of the year.
Police say the incidents, reported between January and the end of May, follow a similar pattern involving private vehicle sales advertised on Facebook Marketplace.
According to investigators, a prospective buyer contacts the seller and arranges to view the vehicle. While one person engages the seller in conversation and creates a distraction, police allege two other individuals deliberately damage the vehicle or make it appear to have mechanical problems.
In some cases, suspects have allegedly made it appear that oil was leaking from the vehicle or that oil was coming from the exhaust system. Police say the tactic is intended to convince sellers that the vehicle has serious issues, allowing the suspects to negotiate a significantly lower purchase price.
The Peterborough Police Service is urging anyone selling a vehicle privately to exercise caution when meeting potential buyers and to be aware of the scam.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scheme can submit a report through the Peterborough Police Service’s online reporting system.
Police remind residents to call 911 if they feel threatened or find themselves in an emergency situation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
