Los Gatos Couple Scammed Out of $43K on eBay Car Purchase

A Los Gatos couple has been scammed out of $43,000 on the online auction site eBay, according to police.

The victims, who are in their mid-40s, reported the fraudulent buyer received the money through a bank transfer made in person on April 4, said Los Gatos/Monte Sereno police Sgt. spokesman Stephen Walpole.

The couple was hoping to buy a 2008 Tesla Roadster from the seller, who claimed he was from Fredericksberg, VA, Sgt. Walpole explained.

The victims, however, didn't follow eBay selling procedures and were following instructions from the suspect, Sgt. Walpole said.

Police were contacted about the crime on April 11 and eBay support and security staff were also contacted. However, since the sale happened outside of the company, it's not able to assist the victims, Sgt. Walpole noted.

Asked what the best way for the public to protect themselves from this type of fraud, Sgt. Walpole said it's difficult to avoid being scammed if they engage in selling and buying from eBay and other online auction sites.

Needless to say the vehicle was never shipped and the victims lost communication with the seller.

"I generally advise people not to engage in large purchases and only partake in buys that involve smaller or less expensive items," Sgt. Walpole said. "If at all possible, people should do whatever kind of research they can on the seller and the item that they wish to purchase.

"If they are able to read reviews about the seller they should also do that. It should be a red flag if a seller is selling an item at a price that seems to be too good to be true," Sgt. Walpole warned.