Used car buyers, you ve really got to remember to beware.
A British conman has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after being convicted of selling over $1.3 million worth of nonexistent used cars on the internet, some while he was in prison. SWNS
Blake Paterson set up a series of websites linked to 44 fake used car companies that included reviews and discount offers for prompt payment, SWNS reported.
He operated the scam from 2013 to 2017, including during a stint when he was behind bars for another crime.
Evidence found in his cell at the time was used by the prosecution, which also got him to plead guilty to conspiracy and money laundering charges that included scamming a kitchen supply company out of $375,000 worth of goods.
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Updated: 13:16, 19 December 2020
An internet fraudster stole more than £1 million as he tricked about 200 people into handing over their cash through a used car sales scam.
Westerham crook Blake Paterson deceived his victims into paying fake online traders for vehicles - which were never sent to them in return.
Blake Paterson was sentenced to seven and a half yearsâ imprisonment. Picture: Kent Police
A joint investigation carried out by police in Kent and Essex tied the 36-year-old to multiple websites created between 2013 and 2017 that were linked to 44 bogus car businesses.
Visitors to the pages - which were filled with fake reviews - would receive details including refund guarantees and discounts for prompt commitment, before transferring money to a number of bank accounts.