Two men from Fremont, Iulian Mihai (19) and Decebal Mihai (36), were arrested last week for allegedly running a scam to deceive car owners into selling their vehicles for far less than they were worth, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began after a Newcastle resident suspected that the two prospective buyers poured oil into their car’s engine before a test drive, causing it to emit smoke and appear damaged.
“During the test drive, the car suddenly began to smoke — something it hadn’t done before,” the Sheriff’s Office reported. “This common scam convinces owners their car has a serious issue, allowing scammers to offer a lowball price.”
Instead of selling the car, the owner told the suspects to return another day and immediately contacted authorities. When the men returned for a second meeting, deputies arrested them.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle uncovered counterfeit documents and evidence of identity theft. Investigators from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force later discovered that the Toyota 4Runner they were driving had been obtained through a similar scam in the Bay Area, where another victim was tricked into selling her car for less than 25% of its true value.
Both Iulian and Decebal Mihai were booked into South Placer Jail on charges including theft by false pretenses, conspiracy, possession of counterfeit registration, and identity theft. Each offense could lead to felony convictions.
Authorities remind the public to take precautions when meeting buyers or sellers for vehicle transactions. “You’re always welcome to use the parking lot at any of our sheriff’s office locations for a safe exchange,” the department advised.
