Police warn residents of oil scam when selling used vehicles

Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

A man faces charges after using an oil scam to fraudulently purchase a vehicle at a lower value from a seller.

‍ ‍According to police, in late April, a person arranged to meet with the suspect in Uxbridge after listing a vehicle for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Following a test drive, the suspect poured engine oil onto the engine while a second suspect distracted the victim. The suspects then claimed the engine was blown and leaking oil, significantly reducing the value of the vehicle. As a result, the victim agreed to sell the vehicle for substantially less than the original asking price.

Days later, police became aware that the same vehicle was listed on Facebook Marketplace at nearly its original price. The listing also showed an odometer reading approximately half of the vehicle’s legitimate mileage. Later that day, investigators located and arrested the suspect without incident.

The accused is also currently wanted on multiple warrants by San Jose Police Department in California.

Mogos Constantin, 38, from Romania is charged with: Fraud Over $5000, Mischief, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Alter the Odometer of a Motor Vehicle, and Use Plate Not Authorized for Motor Vehicle. Constantin is also known to go by the alias ‘Catalin Ionascu.’

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.