WWW.LSSD.SAGOV.US Los Santos County Sheriff's Department News Release October 13th, 2022 "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" Sheriff Bobby Kirk |
- Battling Blaine County Scammers
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- Over the past few years of our department's operation, we had to deal with multiple cases of scammers and, in general, fraud. Most cases we encountered were fake contracts and sales without legitimate paperwork. This press release aims to give you a complete set of instructions on conducting acquisitions and sales via legitimate means to help you avoid being scammed.
First of all, let's establish an example of the most encountered scam scenarios in our county. How many times have you been approached by random individuals in the streets that are trying to sell you cars at cheap prices? e.g., Selling a Cheetah classic for 100.000$. Usually, such individuals try to sweet-talk you into a deal with promises of no taxation and a quick sale with cash on hand to avoid the usual document bureaucracy.
Scammers try to do such deals in remote places away from prying eyes. Additionally, it is common for scammers to try and obtain some information - scout on the potential buyer before attempting a scam, to appeal to their emotions and make them more agreeable. An example would be selling the man's or woman's favourite car at a very low price.
Generally, there are a couple of things that could be used as red flags in such transactions.- Eagerness to get the deal done quickly.
- Lack of identification documentation.
- Lack of documentation, such as contract drafts signed by attorneys.
- Suspicious clothing attire, such as wearing a mask throughout the interaction and, in general, trying to conceal identity.
- Establish the identity of the individuals involved in the transactions. ID License or any other legal document could do. That should be the first step in any potential transaction.
- Ensure the transaction happens in a public place.
- Ask for official documentation if you are trying to buy a car, such as registration papers, to confirm that the vehicle belongs to the seller.
- Find a private or public attorney who can help you draft up a document and make a Contract Authenticity Application through the Justice Bureau's Public Notary department. You will find the relevant link here.
- Ensure that the terms in the contract are simple yet thorough and easy to follow, avoid complex contracts. An experienced contract attorney should be able to help you.
- Record all the monetary transactions through bank receipts and photographic evidence.
- Pay your tax! Ensure the tax is paid as needed to avoid unnecessary monetary penalties and tax avoidance cases.
If you fall victim to a scam or fraud, please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned unit by filling out a crime report here.
Below you will find a statement from the leading Vice investigator.
Fraud is a significant contributor to the crime rates within the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department. Since the inception of the VICE unit, we have had numerous scam cases. The majority of victims took the necessary precautions to avoid a scam and, therefore, provided S.I.B. Vice Investigators with enough information for the investigators to open a case and, within a reasonable timeframe, conclude it. The majority of these victims who took the correct precautions were able to retrieve the items they lost in the fraud. We highly encourage any members of the public to report any scam(s) or, in general, fraud crimes, and no matter the size, they will be thoroughly investigated and concluded.
Investigator II Toni Salatoni
Investigator-in-Charge, Vice Unit.
Stay safe and stay informed!
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- For Information, Contact:
Lieutenant Joe Olson
Bar Licensed Attorney
(909) 396-9060 — [email protected]
Sheriff's Information Division
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
Procopio Promenade 1, Paleto Bay
Los Santos, SA, 909