OC deputies warn of online scams targeting Latino community
Orange County law enforcement agencies are warning residents about a scheme with thieves using online ads to steal vehicles from members of the Latino community.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Orange County law enforcement is warning the Latino community after more than 50 people have been scammed out of their cars since the summer.
Most of the victims, according to officials, were targeted through ads on Facebook Marketplace and other social media platforms, and transactions were mainly in Spanish. The scam involves hiring victims to help the suspects transport a large amount of money using their vehicles. The suspects then tell the victims that they need to take their car to another location in order to load the money, then drive away and never come back, leaving the victims waiting on the side of the road.
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The Orange County Auto Theft Task Force says it has investigated more than 50 of these cases throughout Orange County since July 2021. Sheriffs say that in addition to targeting Latinos, the suspects may specifically be targeting those who are struggling financially. Officials say that the Latino population may be targeted because they might be less likely to report incidents to police.
“Members of the Latino community are being specifically targeted by these thieves in the hopes that they are too afraid to…
