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Fraudster strikes at used-car dealers

Warning after suspect has been falsely posing as a vehicle buyer for a dealership in spate of thefts targeting Audis.
Posted on 19 April, 2022
Fraudster strikes at used-car dealers

Dealers are being told to beware after a fraudster has stolen a number of Audi vehicles from businesses this month while posing as a representative of one of Auckland’s largest dealerships.

It is believed about nine companies across the city have fallen victim to the scamster, with dealers in New Lynn, Grey Lynn and East Tamaki among those that have been targeted.

Adam Lucich, general manager of Pearce Brothers, has raised the alarm about the recent spate of thefts as the suspect has reportedly been using the name of the company and its staff to trick dealers.

He claims a man of Indian appearance, aged in their early to mid-20s, has been posing as a vehicle buyer and appears to be well-versed in industry language.

“He is using the Pearce Brothers’ name and the industry reputation of our directors Todd and Glenn Pearce but he isn’t affiliated to us,” explains Lucich. 

“In one case, this person went to a car dealership in south Auckland and said Todd Pearce sent him in to buy all the Audi Q5s in the market, but it is absolutely nothing to do with us.

“Apparently this individual also went to a number of dealerships in the New Lynn area on the same day and is proving convincing enough and being able to drive off with these vehicles.

“We urge that if anyone receives such a visit they call us to verify whether someone is genuine before releasing a vehicle.”

Lucich, pictured second right, is keen to make the whole dealer network alert to the fraudster, who he says appears to be focusing on small-time operators that may not have CCTV.

“He also seems to target the dealership representative when they are working alone and usually busy with clients. 

“It is already a really tough time for these dealers with current factors such as the CCCFA [Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act] and the clean car tax/rebate, the last thing they need is this type of event happening.”

Lucich adds the first reported incident, which involved a Lexus IS-F, happened in February but there has been a spate of incidents in the past week involving Audi Q5 and A6 models.

“I feel really sorry for the dealers that are being targeted. Intel from police would suggest the fraudsters are watching the businesses and pouncing when it is a busy period.

“Most recently they’ve called before turning up, pretending to be in our management team and advising there is a vehicle buyer in the area who has recently cashed a car and we, Pearce Brothers, have a client approved on finance and wish to send the buyer in for a test drive. 

“However, they go on to say the buyer has left his wallet and licence at home but the person on the phone vouches for them.”

Police are investigating the incidents and Lucich notes the latest one was on Monday, April 18, when a Grey Lynn dealership was phoned by someone claiming to be a “James Pearce” from Pearce Brothers.

“He’s speaking the dealership lingo, which seems to disarm the dealers and make them think this person is genuine,” he explains.

“He mainly seems to target cars that are advertised and will call on a specific vehicle, but there have been incidents where he’s just arrived and said he’s doing work for a particular dealer and has been able to drive off in the car.

“A few of the cars have been recovered but we need to stop this person who is using whatever deception they can to steal vehicles.”

Lucich says Pearce Brothers’ vehicle buyers are Gina Fabrello, Finn Magnussen, Luke Wilson, Sean Pearce, Glenn Pearce, Todd Pearce and himself. He adds dealers can contact him to verify if someone claiming to be from the brand is genuine on 021-831-354. Pictured above are Magnussen, left, Wilson, Lucich and Fabrello.

The surge of criminal activity comes soon after the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association also issued a warning to its members of a scam targeting dealers’ cars parked at the premises of service providers, such as vehicle inspection companies and groomers.