A Kostroma resident faced a sophisticated scam that began with a counterfeit car dealership employee pretending to work in an auto salon. The fraudsters contacted the buyer after the online advertisement for a vehicle, convincing him that a genuine purchase was underway. The incident, documented on the Telegram channel of the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a digital inquiry can turn into a financial trap for unsuspecting consumers.
In an effort to create the illusion of legitimacy, the imposter manager directed the hopeful buyer to a link showcasing overwhelmingly positive reviews about the car salon. The message was crafted to build trust and to assure the customer that everything was on the right track. The supposed contract was presented with the claim that the car would be delivered to Kostroma within a tight timeframe of twelve days. This precise deadline was designed to press the buyer into a quick commitment, leveraging urgency to lower scrutiny of the details and to speed up the payment process.
Following this veneer of efficiency, the prospective buyer made an initial cash payment of three hundred fifty thousand rubles and began waiting for the promised vehicle. The buyer’s decision was framed as a routine step in a legitimate purchase, with the impression of professional handling and reliable service. Yet beneath the surface, the assurances were nothing more than a carefully staged sequence intended to secure funds with minimal friction and no real intent to deliver a product.
Shortly thereafter, the scammers escalated their manipulation by introducing new costs. They claimed that additional customs clearance fees totaling three hundred forty-five thousand rubles were required before the car could cross borders and enter Kostroma. The pressure to comply rose as they intimated that delaying the extra payment would jeopardize the entire deal. The sales pitch included a request for another transfer of three hundred sixty-five thousand rubles to finalize the transaction, portraying it as an indispensable step to unlock the final stage of the process.
In total, the victim sent more than one million rubles before the ruse collapsed. The advertisement vanished, the suspects stopped responding, and the buyer realized he had been defrauded. He then reported the case to the police, seeking accountability and restitution. The episode underscores how criminals repeatedly exploit consumer trust and digital channels, presenting themselves as legitimate business partners to exploit missing safeguards and loopholes in online shopping for high-value goods. Authorities emphasize the importance of verifying dealers through official channels, cross-checking contract terms, and resisting pressure to make quick, unwarranted payments. The incident also highlights the need for careful scrutiny of online listings, especially when promises are coupled with tight deadlines or unusual payment demands. Consumers are urged to conduct due diligence, seek receipts, and confirm credentials with recognized authorities or the car manufacturer before transferring funds or wiring money for a vehicle purchase.