The Edmonton Police Service is warning Albertans about a scam involving the private sale of used cars. According to police, six men have been charged following an investigation into incidents where buyers allegedly intentionally damaged cars during inspections or made it appear as though there was a serious mechanical issue in order to force owners to sell their vehicles at significantly lower prices.
The investigation began following several traffic-related complaints. In October 2025, police executed a search warrant at a home in south Edmonton and seized nine vehicles linked to that address. After speaking with the previous owners, investigators concluded that these cars may have been acquired fraudulently.
How the scheme worked
According to the EPS, the suspects often arrived to inspect a vehicle in groups of two or three men. They distracted the seller with conversation, behaved in an energetic and confident manner, might refer to themselves as brothers, and explain that one of them urgently needed a car. Meanwhile, other members of the group would tamper with the car or create the impression that it had a serious technical problem.
Afterward, the buyers would point out the alleged malfunction to the seller. The police report specifically mentions claims of a damaged cylinder head gasket or engine oil leaking into the coolant reservoir. The group would then try to convince the seller that the repairs would be expensive and pressure them to agree to a significantly lower price.
Police report that in some cases, these disputes lasted up to two hours. Investigators also note that prior to meeting these buyers, the cars had no reported issues.
Pressure on Sellers and License Plates
According to Const. Shiva Shunmugam of the Edmonton Police Service, buyers would sometimes send the seller to the house to fetch an item or otherwise distract him. Afterward, they would report a discovered malfunction, and sometimes even pretend to call a “mechanic” who would confirm the need for an expensive repair.
In some cases, according to police, buyers tried to force cash on the seller, asked to keep the license plates, or simply drove off with the previous owner’s license plates.
Victims — Not Just in Edmonton
Police believe the suspects purchased cars in various communities to avoid drawing attention. The EPS release mentions Edmonton, Calgary, Sherwood Park, Leduc, and Thorsby. So far, police have identified at least 13 victims.
According to the investigation, many sellers didn’t even realize they had been scammed until the police contacted them. The EPS also reports that some of the cars may have been subsequently registered with forged documents, including odometer readings that had been tampered with.
What the police advise car sellers
The Edmonton Police Service urges sellers to be cautious when selling cars privately and not to agree to a deal if the buyers’ behavior raises suspicion. The police emphasize: the seller has the right to end the meeting or insist on dealing with only one buyer, not a group.
EPS advises:
- Do not meet in isolated locations;
- Do not invite strangers into your home;
- Choose public places with video surveillance;
- Use EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones whenever possible;
- Do not go to the meeting alone, or let a family member or friend know where you are meeting and with whom;
- ask the buyer for photo ID;
- save screenshots of the listing, the listing ID, the buyer’s contact information, and all correspondence;
- carefully fill out the bill of sale and keep a copy;
- if necessary, check the car’s history, for example through CARFAX.
Why This Is Important
This scheme is dangerous because scammers don’t necessarily steal the car outright. Instead, they can create a situation where the owner agrees to sell the car at a significantly lower price, thinking there’s a serious problem with it.
Therefore, if you’re selling a car privately—through online ads, social media, or acquaintances—don’t rush into a decision. If buyers act aggressively, pressure you, show up in a group, or suddenly “discover” a major malfunction, it’s better to cancel the deal and seek advice or contact the police.
The golden rule: if the situation seems suspicious, you are under no obligation to sell the car. It’s safer to lose a potential buyer than to become a victim of fraud.