WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Police are raising the alarm about a new scam in which criminals illegally resell rented cars to unsuspecting buyers. This fraudulent scheme is affecting both car rental companies and private individuals, leaving many victims in its wake.
In recent weeks, multiple businesses and individuals have reported cases of rented vehicles being resold. The perpetrators use fake driver’s licenses with incorrect names and addresses to rent the cars. The rental companies, trusting the provided information, release the vehicles, only to discover later that the cars have been sold or encounter buyers who unknowingly paid for vehicles not legally owned by the sellers.
How the Scam Works
The fraudsters use falsified identification to rent cars and then advertise these vehicles for sale on various platforms, including online marketplaces. After completing the sale and receiving payment, the criminals disappear with the money, leaving the actual car owners and buyers to deal with the consequences.
Buyers, too, are victims in this scheme. After transferring funds to the scammers, they find out that the vehicle cannot be officially registered in their name, as the seller is not the legal owner.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Authorities have made several arrests related to these fraudulent activities but believe more individuals are involved. Investigations are ongoing as the police work to uncover the full extent of the scam.
Public Warning
The police are urging potential car buyers to exercise extreme caution, especially when purchasing vehicles through online advertisements. They emphasize the importance of verifying the seller’s ownership before making any payments. Buyers should thoroughly check official documents and ensure all details are accurate before completing transactions.
This warning serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to this evolving form of fraud.