Gardai in the Stolen Vehicle Unit are currently investigating an incident in which a member of the public became the victim of a crime in the course of attempting to purchase a car over the internet.
Gardai in the Stolen Vehicle Unit are currently investigating an incident in which a member of the public became the victim of a crime in the course of attempting to purchase a car over the internet.
Funds were transferred electronically in advance of receiving the car and the car subsequently failed to be delivered. Similar fraud involves the seller claiming to be in Germany or another European country and wishing to sell their 'right-hand drive' motor vehicle which has Irish plates. The seller claims that driving in Europe with a right hand drive is too difficult and hence the vehicle is being sold for considerably less than the current price. The seller uses existing genuine photographs of high performance vehicles already advertised on the internet by Irish people.
Gardai would remind the public of the need to satisfy themselves as to the bona fides of individuals or organisations purporting to sell items over the internet, particularly the first time they are carrying out a transaction with that individual or organisation.
Extensive crime prevention advice is available on the Garda Website.
Garda Press Office
15.00hrs 21.8.08
Ref: 1001/08
