Law enforcement warns people of vehicle theft scam

The Vancouver Police Department is warning residents of a vehicle theft scam after the department received four vehicle theft reports with similar circumstances between Aug. 1 and Aug. 19. 

According to a news release, the suspect uses a female profile on Facebook to contact individuals who are typically selling higher end, newer vehicles on Facebook marketplace and then arranges to meet the seller in a public parking lot.

Before the meeting takes place, the suspect contacts the seller to advise them they are sending their husband to look at the vehicle instead.

“The suspect meets with the seller in person and requests to test drive the vehicle and once he obtains the keys from the seller, and before the seller can get in the car, the suspect jumps in and drives off,” stated the release.

The suspect is described as a Black man in his early to mid-20s with a thin build. He is described to weigh approximately 150 pounds, is 5-foot-8 and has short dreadlocks or shoulder length hair.

The Vancouver Police Department Property Crimes Unit is investigating the incidents.

The police department encourages anyone who is selling a vehicle online to consider these safety strategies:

• Meet in a well populated location that preferably has video surveillance, such as a Vancouver Police Safe Exchange Zone. 
• Don’t go alone. Bring another adult with you.
• Never hand over the keys or allow a solo test drive.
• If something feels suspicious, such as a last-minute change to the meeting location or person, don’t continue with the meeting. 
• If during the meeting you feel uncomfortable, end the sale and leave. 

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Tip Line at 360-487-7399.