The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an ongoing investigation into fraudulent vehicle sales conducted through online marketplaces, including Facebook Marketplace.
Sheriff’s officials say investigators have identified at least one case in Bloomfield, where a buyer was allegedly sold a vehicle that was grossly misrepresented, had little to no value, and ultimately resulted in financial loss.
In another documented incident, authorities say a vehicle was sold with an active lien that was not disclosed at the time of purchase, creating additional legal and financial problems for the buyer.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the individual at the center of the investigation has previously been arrested in other counties for similar alleged fraudulent vehicle transactions and is known to have used multiple aliases. A list of those aliases has been reported in local news, including coverage by the Manlius Police Department.
Investigators say the scheme typically involves selling vehicles online that are significantly misrepresented, have undisclosed liens, or become difficult to trace after payment is made.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar scam to contact local law enforcement.
Residents who have experienced similar issues or difficulty contacting a seller after payment are asked to call the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 585-394-4560. Tips can also be submitted through the OntarioSheriffNY app or the agency’s website.
