The owner of a used car dealership in Swansea, Edward Cicciu, 46, is currently evading police after being charged with defrauding more than two dozen customers through his business, Bristol County Auto Exchange. He faces multiple charges, including three counts of larceny of a motor vehicle and two counts of forging or misusing RMV documents. These offenses were filed in Fall River District Court and allegedly occurred between July and September 2024.
According to a Swansea police press release, Cicciu’s scam involved selling vehicles that he did not own or have the titles for. The investigation revealed that he would obtain cars on loan from a local auto auction without securing their titles, as he had not fully paid for them. Despite this, he sold these vehicles at his dealership.
Cicciu reportedly accepted payment for the cars, attaching fake or forged license plates while promising to mail the titles and registrations to his customers. However, once he received payment, he would cease communication with the victims, even as the auto auction attempted to repossess the vehicles.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Cicciu’s whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing the need to protect potential victims from further scams. The case highlights ongoing issues in the used car industry, particularly regarding fraudulent practices that exploit unsuspecting buyers.
