Car-deposit scam

Twelve people have been conned out of money they put as a deposit on buying a car in a scam across Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry.
The victims have handed over up to £500 to secure a car  but then later discovered the advert to be a con.Two buyers have even paid the full purchase price.
Police say that most adverts have appeared in specialist car buying publications and have referred to Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Rav 4 and Minis, ranging in price from £1,400 to £3,000  under a false trading company name.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Cath Dell from the Economic Crime Unit, said: “Would-be buyers are calling the ‘seller’ on a phone number listed in the advert; each has spoken to a man with an Asian accent who’s claimed interest is high in the vehicle and a deposit is needed to secure the vehicle.
“Victims are transferring amounts ranging from £50 to £500 to various bank accounts and arrangements made to collect the vehicle at a named location  often in Birmingham or Solihull.
“However people have found that often these addresses don’t exist and they’ve never seen the car or their money again.”

Advertisements

Vote online for community awards

Castle Vale Events Committee are urging people to nominate local residents for the five community awards to be presented at the annual Awards Evening on 25th November, from 7.30pm.
Votes can be cast online (click here for link), or by voting forms from CVCHA, The Astral, Spitfire House and the Sanctuary.
The five categories are:

• Neighbourly Award
• Creativity
• Sport and Fitness
• Environmental Champion
• Valued Contribution

The event will be hosted by Heart FM presenter Dave Clarke, at the Residents Club in Yatesbury Avenue. Tickets are free, and can be obtained from Mike Wroe by calling 07814 087775.
Voting closes on Monday 14th November.