Region of Peel – Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau have arrested and charged an individual in relation to an alleged Automobile Sales Fraud that took place across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) between the spring and summer months of 2023.
The suspect operated a fake business called “Aponic Leasing”, advertising luxury vehicles for sale on various social media platforms.
In one instance, the suspect met a victim at an unaffiliated car dealership and pretended to work there in order to defraud the victim.
The suspect would collect deposits from the victims for the sale of the luxury vehicles but never deliver the vehicles or return the money to the victims. To date, numerous victims have been defrauded in excess of $76,000.
On Monday, October 1, 2024, Sadaf Farooq, a 30-year-old Brampton resident, was arrested and charged with Defrauding the Public and Possessing Property Obtained by Crime.
He will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.
Peel Regional Police are appealing all members of the public to consider not prepaying or providing deposits for vehicles, any products or services when dealing with unknown or unproven individuals advertising on social media.
Before buying a used vehicle online, you should:
Beware of vehicles that can only be viewed or inspected after purchase.
Travel to see a vehicle located remotely—don’t rely on pictures or a convincing website. If you can’t travel to see the vehicle, hire an appraiser or mechanic to inspect it. Ensure the vehicle exists and the seller is who they claim to be.
Check with state or provincial regulators/authorities to ensure a dealer is legitimate and properly licensed.
Purchase a vehicle history report for the vehicle—don’t simply rely on a report provided by the seller; it can be altered.
Don’t wire money or provide a credit card number without doing all your homework.
Beware of sellers who want to close the deal as quickly as possible.
