(FOX40.COM) — A man linked to a series of car sale scams across Northern California, identified as Michael Tanase, is now in custody at a Placer County jail following his arrest in Oklahoma, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have issued warnings to the public about a wave of used car sales scams that have been targeting unsuspecting sellers in the region. The scam typically involves the perpetrator reaching out to sellers who list their vehicles on popular resale websites.
When the scammer arrives at the meeting location, they bring along two accomplices to “inspect” the vehicle. While one person distracts the seller, the others pour oil into the radiator and over the engine, causing it to smoke during the test drive to create the illusion of engine failure. This deception leads the buyer to offer an exceptionally low price to quickly offload the “problem” car.
Earlier this year, several reports from Placer County residents highlighted this same scam, prompting local authorities to investigate. It was revealed that Placer County was one of seven counties, ranging from San Diego County to El Dorado County, dealing with similar reports of fraud.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office identified three suspects: Michael Tanase, Constantin Mustata, and Florin Tanase. The Placer County District Attorney’s Office has filed three felony cases of vandalism and theft by false pretense against each suspect.
On July 23, Michael Tanase was arrested by officers with the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department for public intoxication and disturbing the peace. He was also involved in a hit-and-run incident outside an Oklahoma casino. Tanase has since been transferred from Love County, Oklahoma, to the South Placer Jail in Roseville.
As of now, Mustata and Florin Tanase remain at large.