By Alesha Capone
Police have arrested six people, including three teenagers, after executing search warrants at properties in Tarneit, Truganina and Hoppers Crossing today, as part of investigations into an alleged car scam.
The warrants were executed at five houses at 7.30am this morning, with police also seizing a number of items including documents and electronic devices.
A 17-year-old from Tarneit, an 18-year-old from Truganina, a 19-year-old from Tarneit, two 20-year-olds from Tarneit and a 21-year-old from Truganina were all arrested and are currently in police custody, assisting investigators with their enquiries.
Police alleged the scam has been taking place over three months in various suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne.
It is believed the scam involves alleged offenders contacting victims who are selling second-hand cars on platforms including Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. The offenders arrange an inspection of the vehicle and agree to purchase it.
The victim is then shown an EFTPOS transfer into their account, which purports to show they have been paid for the car.
However, this is not the case and the offenders subsequently cancel the scheduled EFTPOS transfer.
Police said offenders allegedly use stolen licences as part of the transaction process.
The offenders then advertise the stolen vehicle on websites that sell cars, in the hopes they can sell the car to a secondary victim, prior to the vehicle being listed as stolen.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the alleged scam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic.com.au
