St. Petersburg man loses 9 million rubles to cross-border car scam

A resident of St. Petersburg lost 9 million rubles while trying to order a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder from Poland. This alarming incident was reported by Mash via the Moika Telegram channel. The timeline shows the buyer, a 39 year old man named Dmitry, grew increasingly convinced in mid March that a shiny Italian sports car could be secured in 2018 fashion after a conversation with a seller who claimed the vehicle was ready for shipment from Poland. The buyer engaged in exchanges through WhatsApp and signed what he believed to be a legitimate agreement, transferring 9 million 315 thousand rubles as a down payment. The promises appeared credible at the moment, with assurances about delivery windows, customs clearance, and the seamless transfer of ownership once payment was complete. However, the seller soon claimed to be on vacation and directed Dmitry to a stand-in manager who claimed to oversee the sale. After that pivot, the communication slowed down markedly. A few weeks later, the seller stopped replying entirely, leaving Dmitry in limbo and facing a suspected fraud scenario that has since escalated into a formal police investigation. The case underscores how attractive high-end vehicles can draw in potential buyers, especially when messages come with glossy assurances and a veneer of legitimacy. Officially, investigators have opened a criminal file related to the incident, signaling that authorities are treating the matter as a suspected fraud scheme rather than a straightforward sale. The broader warning here is clear: before sending money for luxury items cross-border, buyers should verify both sides of the transaction, insist on secure payment methods, and document every step of the process. This is not an isolated occurrence; similar schemes have appeared in multiple regions, drawing attention from consumer protection agencies and law enforcement alike. For residents considering international car purchases, experts recommend working with established dealers, requesting verifiable references, and keeping a transparent paper trail that can be reviewed by financial institutions or authorities if questions arise. The incident involves a stark reminder about the risks of dealing with distant sellers who offer urgent delivery promises without verifiable histories, and it highlights the importance of due diligence in large, cross-border transactions. Reports on the same channel also remind readers to stay alert for abrupt contact changes or shifting points of contact, as these are common indicators of a potential scam. Victims are advised to promptly contact local police and to work with their bank or payment provider to explore recovery options, where possible. This case remains a cautionary tale for anyone pursuing high-value purchases remotely, especially when the offer appears too good to pass up. [Mash Telegram channel, Moika]