Thread: Anaheim Car Dealers Accused Of Credit Fraud

There is a video available to watch if you click the link to the article.

http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_013230402.html

Jan 13, 2006 8:02 pm US/Pacific

Anaheim Car Dealers Accused Of Credit Fraud

(CBS) ANAHEIM, Calif. Seven North County Toyota employees were arrested on suspicion of knowingly allowing buyers to use fraudulent Social Security numbers on credit applications.

Those arrested were: Reza Aklhaghi, 49, of Aliso Viejo; Apolinar Contreras, 43, of North Hollywood; Pablo Gabriel Garro, 26, of Hacienda Heights; Oscar Molina, 42, of Covina and Roberto Alvarez, 44, Adrianna Barros, 19, and Jose R. Medina, 42, all of Anaheim.

Anaheim police have been investigating the dealership, located at 1331 N. Euclid St. in Anaheim, since November. Police were told that dealers might be selling cars to customers who admitted the Social Security numbers they submitted on credit applications were fraudulent.

They were also told the same customers admitted they did not have driver’s licenses but were allowed to take test drives and drove the cars off the lot, Anaheim police Sgt. Rick Martinez said.

The investigation confirmed that there were three instances of such sales, Martinez said. Undercover officers were then sent in to pose as potential customers, whose only form of identification were check-cashing cards, Martinez said.

Each undercover officer used fake Social Security numbers and made it clear the number did not belong to them, Martinez said. In all the cases, the officers completed the transactions, buying a 2006 Toyota Scion, 2006 Toyota Corolla and a 2006 Toyota Tundra.

All seven have posted bail and were released from jail. An arrest warrant has been issued for an eighth suspect, the sergeant said.

Some of the employees had worked for the dealership for years, and one worked there only four weeks, according to news reports.

Martinez said the three private customers who bought the cars were illegal immigrants. They lost their down payments and any monthly payments that were made once the fraudulent use of the Social Security cards was discovered.

The three customers were reportedly reassured that their purchase would not get them in trouble, Capt. Carlie Chavez said.

"It seemed really easy the way the whole thing went down," Chavez said of the undercover purchases. "It seemed they got the system figured out."

Asked how far up the ladder police suspect the alleged conspiracy went, Chavez said, "We suspect it goes as far as maybe the sales manager."

Tim Robinett, an attorney for the dealership, said the company stands by its reputation.

"North County Toyota has provided years of high quality and ethical service to its customers and will continue to do so for years," Robinett said.

Great enforcement story!! I always wonder how so many illegals around here are driving Great BIG Brand NEW trucks. Now if this trend in policework could just continue!! Except that the illegals should have been deported. BUT THAT WILL COME.

Martinez said the three private customers who bought the cars were illegal immigrants. They lost their down payments and any monthly payments that were made once the fraudulent use of the Social Security cards was discovered.

The three customers were reportedly reassured that their purchase would not get them in trouble, Capt. Carlie Chavez said.

The news will get out fast in the community that they lost their downpayments and monthly payments!! I'll be keeping my eye on the Spanish newspapers to see the reactions.

Carlie Chavez and Rick Martinez

Somebody better call LULAC and La Raza to let them know some of their so-called voting block is getting away from them.