The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has had two separate instances where vehicles were stolen by means of deception. In these cases, the offenders find a vehicle for sale on Craigslist that requests payoff. They meet with the seller and “payoff” the vehicle over the phone. Once the victim confirms with their financial institution that the payoff went through, the vehicle is then released to the “buyer.” Two days later the payment comes back as bogus, but it is too late. According to Ally Financial, they have seven people who have been hit by this. The offenders are a group out of Birmingham, AL. There are victims as far away as South Carolina. Some of the group have been identified, but not all.
If you have been the victim of this type scam,or have any information on these suspects, contact your local law enforcement.
