Stolen Dreams in a $14K Car Scam

By Greg Collier
What began as a hopeful transaction quickly unraveled into a devastating ordeal for a northern Wisconsin family who unknowingly purchased a stolen vehicle in what authorities describe as a sophisticated online scam.
The couple from Prentice had found a 2024 Toyota Camry listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The seller, claiming a backstory involving family changes and an unused vehicle, seemed trustworthy. After exchanging messages and agreeing on a price, the family drove more than 11 hours round-trip to Calumet, Illinois, to meet him in person. The deal closed with a $14,000 cash payment.
The excitement surrounding the new purchase was short-lived. When the family attempted to register the car in Wisconsin, they were informed by law enforcement that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The title, which appeared legitimate, was later revealed to be a high-quality fake. State officials determined the forgery only after discovering a single incorrect digit in the vehicle identification documentation. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Secretary of State’s office in Illinois were both involved in the verification process.
The fallout was immediate and financially devastating. The Price County Sheriff’s Office impounded the Camry, leaving the family without transportation and without recourse to recover the money they had paid. Efforts to locate the seller, who identified himself only by a first name, have been unsuccessful.
Consumer protection advocates say this type of fraud is becoming more common, particularly with the rise of online marketplaces, where identity verification and buyer protections are limited. Transactions involving unusually low prices should raise immediate concerns. In this case, the vehicle had been listed well below its market value, which ranges between $25,000 and $27,000, according to current Kelley Blue Book estimates.
Experts also warn against using cash for major purchases involving private parties online. The lack of paper trail makes recovery nearly impossible once a scam has been completed.
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