Two Fremont Men Arrested in Placer County Car Scam

BREAKING: Two men from Fremont, CA, have been arrested in Placer County for their alleged roles in a deceptive car scam that defrauded owners into selling their vehicles at significantly reduced prices. The arrests occurred during a second meeting with a victim, who had already reported suspicions to authorities.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after a resident of Newcastle noticed suspicious behavior from two prospective buyers. The victim believed they tampered with his vehicle during a test drive by adding oil to the engine, causing it to smoke unexpectedly—a tactic commonly used in this type of scam.

The sheriff’s office revealed, “This well-known scam tricks victims into believing their vehicle has a catastrophic problem, enabling suspects to acquire the car at a steep discount.” During the first meeting, the car owner asked the suspects—19-year-old Iulian Mihai and 36-year-old Decebal Mihai—to return another day, allowing him to alert law enforcement.

During the second encounter, authorities swiftly arrested the Mihais. A search of their vehicle uncovered counterfeit documents and evidence of identity theft. The investigation by the Regional Auto Theft Task Force disclosed that the 4Runner they drove had also been acquired through a similar scam in the Bay Area, where the original owner lost her vehicle for less than 25% of its actual value.

The two men have been booked into South Placer Jail on multiple charges, including theft by false pretenses, conspiracy, and possession of counterfeit registration. Each charge carries the potential for felony convictions.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to exercise caution when buying or selling vehicles. “If you’re meeting someone to buy or sell a vehicle or any other large item, please take precautions. You’re always welcome to use the parking lot at any of our sheriff’s office locations for a safe exchange,” they advised.

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of vehicle scams, reminding potential sellers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation continues.