Police urge vigilance after car selling scam

People selling vehicles are advised to remain vigilant after a car selling scam in Boxford near Sudbury.

The victim advertised a white Audi TT for sale for £7,000. Two unknown males attended on Monday 31 August after making contact by phone. After they test drove the vehicle, they claimed the engine had failed after the vehicle began smoking. They persuaded the victim to sell the vehicle for £300. The victim later believed they had been subjected to a known scam whereby one suspect distracted them while the other tampered with the vehicle to appear faulty. (crime number 37/52392/26)

It is being linked to two similar scams. One occurred in Ipswich on Sunday 16 August. The victim was selling their vehicle, a white Skoda, when the victim believed he was scammed by oil being put on the engine to persuade the seller to reduce the price of sale. On this occasion the seller did not agree and the suspects left empty handed. (37/48669/26)

A third incident also took place on 31 August in Peasenhall where a vehicle for sale was damaged after being taken for a test drive by three males. (37/52350/26) 

Anyone who knows who was responsible or has also experienced a similar incident should contact Suffolk police, quoting the relevant crime number.

Potential sellers of vehicles are asked to be mindful of who they invite to view their vehicles and monitor their actions at all times. They are also advised to retain all vehicle documentation such as log books/V5s prior to the transaction being completed.

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Email: ccc@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

Phone – Call 101

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