New York State Police Warn About Test-Drive Car Thieves

New York State Police are warning of a scheme targeting people who sell vehicles online.

Authorities say victims report what they believe are potential buyers that show up with two or more people for a test drive and end up taking off with the vehicle.

Troopers say the scheme works this way: multiple people come for the test drive and  head out with the seller.  During the supposed “test drive” the criminals say they detect something wrong or that sounds funny with the vehicle.  Once the owner steps out, the suspects drive off, circling back to where they met the seller and the other suspects hop out to retrieve the vehicle they arrived in.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

So far the schemes have been more widely reported in counties in Western New York.

State Police urge people to be vigilant and careful with vehicle sale transactions. They suggest doing business in front of security cameras or having several people on hand when attempting a private sale of a motor vehicle.