The modus operandi of the group involved luring victims into handing over their vehicles on loans or lease agreements, promising to rent them out to legitimate organizations.
A scam that began in Southern California toward the end of 2023 seems to have made its way to the northern part of the state, according to a Northern California sheriff's office.
Two Connecticut men bought a vehicle at auction, tampered with the odometer and then sold it at an inflated price, according to Monroe police, who believe that there are more unsuspecting victims.