A Gold Coast man has been charged over the alleged fraudulent sale of several second-hand vehicles.
Police allege the man purchased the cars online before the vehicles’ odometers were wound back and on-sold to unsuspecting buyers at an inflated price.
Following ongoing investigations into the odometer fraud scheme, Gold Coast Major and Organised Crime Squad officers raided a home at Yatala on Friday.
Police say three vehicles were located, some of which allegedly had their odometers tampered with.
A 27-year-old man was detained at the property and has since been charged with one count each of fraud (causing detriment), operating without a dealer’s licence and possessing dangerous drugs.
He is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court on Friday July 21.
Detectives from Gold Coast Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS) in a joint operation with the Office of Fair Trading have charged one person with three offences in relation to alleged fraudulent second-hand vehicle sales. https://t.co/fv4rVk9dDI pic.twitter.com/IQYxdwllg1
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) June 26, 2023
Police say investigations into the second-hand vehicle fraud are ongoing.
“The community is being reminded to exercise due diligence when purchasing second-hand and used vehicles,” Queensland Police said.
“When in the market for a second-hand car, buyers should look to see if the vehicle has a log book that is up to date and page numbers are consecutive; and check to see if the car’s odometer is what you’d expect for how old it is.
“A car history check will often give a comprehensive report of the vehicle, but residents are reminded if the sale is too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
