Car Sellers Warned of Scam by Thieves
Authorities warned the public Thursday about a scam targeting people who advertise their vehicles for sale in weekly publications such as Auto Trader and the Recycler.
Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas said professional thieves have committed the crimes in Orange and Los Angeles counties on and off for about two years.
The thieves respond to an auto ad, asking to inspect and test drive the car. During the meeting, they make an imprint of the car key in clay when the seller isn’t watching.
The thieves then schedule a second meeting, saying they want a relative to check out the car. Within a day, they return and steal the car.
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