Rise in Fraudulent Car Deals Highlighted After Deadly Dispute

With Monday’s tragic murders the result of a financial transaction gone bad, it has brought to the forefront the many instances where car dealers are deceiving customers.  Recent months have seen an influx of so-called car dealers having been arrested and taken to court for obtaining property by deception.  Many individuals have fallen victims to these car dealers which Commissioner Williams says could be avoided by being selective when doing such transactions.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: “There are many people who are car dealers. I personally, I ensure that if it is that you’re going to enter into business with people, they must give people what they ask for. And if you made a contract or a promise to do something for a person, i.e. bringing a vehicle by a particular time, they must ensure you bring that vehicle in by a particular time. But again, persons who are buying vehicles need to be more responsible in terms of knowing who they’re buying vehicles from and likewise do not give all your money to people. If it is that you want someone to bring a vehicle for you, give them maybe half of the money or a certain portion of the money. When you receive your vehicle upon delivery to you, you pay the balance. Do not take all the money and give it to some of these car dealers because the truth is you will be conned out of your money. So again, just do a little bit more due diligence in terms of knowing who you’re buying and what you’re buying.”

One victim of a deceptive car dealer was former Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, who lost thousands of dollars after one Melbourne Wade did not deliver a vehicle as promised./