Peterborough Police Warn Public of Increasing Online Scams of Private Car Sales

The Peterborough Police Service has received several reports about a scam by people responding to private car sales on Facebook Marketplace ads.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Between January and the end of May, Peterborough Police have received online reports detailing the same situation connected to private online car sales.

In each case, one of the potential buyers speaks to the seller, and, while distracted, two other buyers damage the vehicle to make it appear as if oil is leaking or it is coming from the exhaust, in an effort to buy the vehicle at a lower price.  

If you believe it is a scam, you can report it online. If you are in danger or it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

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