A new vehicle theft scam is targeting motor dealerships, using deception and social engineering to steal high-value stock. According to Crimetek, this scheme involves fraudsters posing as professionals to gain the trust of salespeople before executing a well-planned hijacking.
How the scam works
The scam begins with a salesperson receiving an online enquiry from a prospective buyer who appears to be a high-profile professional, such as a doctor or lawyer. The buyer expresses keen interest in a specific vehicle but avoids visiting the dealership for pre-qualification, instead maintaining contact and appearing genuinely interested.
After a period of back-and-forth communication, the buyer unexpectedly confirms their decision to purchase the vehicle and arranges to meet at a location of their choosing, often near a hospital, courthouse, or another professional setting, to reinforce their credibility.
At the meeting, the buyer requests a short test drive, taking the driver’s seat while the salesperson rides as a passenger. During the drive, the route is suddenly altered under the pretext of picking up necessary documents from an accountant or associate. Upon arrival at the new location, an accomplice (often armed) enters the vehicle, and the hijacking takes place.
Preventative measures
To mitigate the risk of falling victim to this scam, dealerships should be advised to install tracking devices on all demo, loan and stock vehicles before they leave the premises. Even mobile, removable tracking devices can improve the chances of vehicle recovery.
Raising awareness of this syndicate’s tactics is essential to protecting dealerships and their staff. By staying informed and implementing security measures, the risk of vehicle theft can be significantly reduced.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact De Wet De Villiers Brokers on 014 592-1077 or email info@dwdv.insure.
Source: Crimetek