Crime
About 25 people have reported being scammed by the system since May, police said.
The owner of a used car business in Swansea has been charged in connection with a fraud investigation, officials say.
Since May, Swansea police have received about 25 reports from people who say they were scammed by the Bristol County Auto Exchange at 2388 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, according to a statement from the department.
Through an investigation, police determined that Edward Cicciu, 46, of Attleboro, receives loan cars from a local auction but does not receive the titles to the vehicles until he pays the auction in full. The cars are then sold at the Bristol County Auto Exchange, police said.
“Cicciu allegedly conducts a sale, takes payment, attaches false or forged license plates and promises that a title and registration will be sent to the buyer,” police said.
“Cicciu then allegedly stops responding to the victims and never pays the auction for the vehicle. The buyers never receive the titles and cannot register the vehicles. Since the auction company still owns the victims’ vehicles, they are in the process of repossessing them.”
Swansea Police have several warrants for Cicciu’s arrest on fraud charges and he is currently wanted by police.
“Swansea Police take all allegations of fraud very seriously,” Chief Constable Mark Foley said in the statement. “This has been a comprehensive investigation that underscores our commitment to protecting consumers from unfair practices.”
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