Scammers Offering a Turo Rental on Craigslist Get Caught in a Police Sting | Carscoops

      Officers formulated a plan to target the suspected scammers after a victim reported the crime.

      The individual incurred a loss of $23,000 after purchasing a car that was rented on Turo and subsequently listed for sale online.

      That same victim collaborated with police to identify a similar listing, prompting the officers to set up a sting operation.

      Police apprehended two men believed to be involved in scamming others using the same scheme.

      Occasionally, criminals make the mistake of being too overt. In Corona, California, this was the case when a buyer, who thought they were buying a car for $23,000 in cash, realized too late that the transaction was deceitful. This ultimately led to a series of events that resulted in the culprits being captured, thanks to the victim’s resolve.

      The victim informed the police that they believed everything was above board after they purchased a car advertised on Craigslist. The seller even possessed DMV documentation, including a title, to validate the sale. However, it was only after visiting the actual DMV that the buyer discovered the truth: the car had been stolen after being rented on Turo.

      Law Enforcement Intervention

      Instead of succumbing to despair, the buyer teamed up with the Corona Police to locate another similar listing. Once the department’s Investigative Services Division concluded that the seller was likely the same individual, officers arranged a sting operation, agreeing to meet the suspect under the pretense of buying the advertised car.

      Upon the seller's arrival, police detained him and discovered that he was operating another vehicle that he was not authorized to sell. Furthermore, their investigation revealed that the suspect, Sebastian Flores, had an outstanding felony warrant for conspiracy and auto theft, as well as fraudulent documents at the time of his arrest.

      Additionally, authorities apprehended another individual believed to be working with Flores, named Lasso Floris, who also held a felony warrant for trafficking stolen vehicles. Notably, the Corona police suspect there may be additional victims who have fallen prey to the same scam.

      "Flores and Floris both have extensive criminal backgrounds related to similar offenses, and it is probable that there are more victims. If you suspect you have been affected by either suspect, we encourage you to reach out to your local law enforcement agency,” stated the department.