Vancouver police: Suspect in scam stole four cars this month

Vancouver police are warning people about a vehicle theft scam and are looking for the man they believe is responsible for stealing four cars this month.

Between Aug. 1-19, officers took four reports of vehicles stolen under similar circumstances. Each time, the suspect used a woman’s profile to contact people selling higher-end, newer vehicles on Facebook Marketplace. The suspect arranged to meet sellers in a public parking lot, according to a police news release.

Prior to meeting, the suspect profile reportedly told the sellers she’d send her husband to look at the vehicles. When the man met the sellers, he requested to test drive the vehicles, the police department said.

When the sellers handed over the keys for the test drive and before they could get in the vehicle, the suspect jumped inside and drove away, according to the news release.

Police describe the suspect as a Black man in his 20s, with a thin build and shoulder-length hair or dreadlocks.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is asked to call the Vancouver Police Tip Line at 360-487-7399.

The police department’s Property Crimes Unit is investigating the thefts.

People selling cars online should follow these safety tips:

• Meet in a well-populated area, preferably with video surveillance, such as a Vancouver Police Safe Exchange Zone in the parking lots of police precincts.
• Don’t go alone, and bring another adult along.
• Never give the buyer the keys or allow them to take a solo test drive.
• If something feels suspicious, such as a last-minute change to the meeting location or person, cancel the meeting.
• If you feel uncomfortable during the meeting, end the sale and leave.