In Astrakhan, authorities detained a man who posed as a car dealership employee to swindle an SUV owner out of 3 million rubles. The incident was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs Media. The suspect contacted the owner of a 2022 Toyota Fortuner that was advertised for sale, presenting himself as a legitimate dealer employee and claiming there was a buyer interested in the vehicle.
The car was examined near the dealership while the seller and a prospective buyer discussed the price, settling on 3.96 million rubles. A few days later, the transaction was completed and the buyer transferred the entire sum to the broker. The broker then sent 845 thousand rubles to the former owner and vanished with the remaining funds. The suspect was apprehended by police, and a case for theft was opened against him.
Earlier reports note that a schoolboy in Perm stole and damaged a vehicle belonging to the manager of a security company, illustrating a broader pattern of automotive crime detected in multiple regions.
This case underscores the growing risk of fraud schemes that exploit the trust placed in car dealers and online advertisements. Authorities advise potential buyers to verify dealer credentials, confirm ownership documents in person, and conduct all payments through traceable channels. Consumers are encouraged to meet sellers in secure locations, request verifiable contact information, and seek independent appraisals when a deal seems unusually favorable. In regions with high vehicle turnover, extra caution is warranted when a seller pressures rapid payment or offers to handle the transfer through unnamed intermediaries.
Legal authorities emphasize that legitimate dealers operate under transparent practices, provide verifiable business licenses, and maintain clear records of ownership transfers. If any doubt arises during a transaction, it is prudent to halt the process and seek guidance from official channels. The pattern in Astrakhan mirrors other reports of impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as dealership staff to manipulate buyers and misappropriate funds. Stakeholders including buyers, dealers, and law enforcement continue to collaborate to disrupt these schemes and recover losses where possible. In parallel developments, a separate incident in Perm highlights risks to business professionals and the need for heightened awareness regarding vehicle-related crimes across communities.