Waterloo Regional Police are continuing to investigate a fraudulent scheme involving the purchase of vehicles through a buy-and-sell website.

On August 2, 2025, police received a report from a victim in the Hespeler area of Cambridge who had listed their vehicle for sale online. 

During a scheduled meeting, a male and a female with an infant attempted to distract the seller. Investigators believe the male suspect then tampered with the vehicle by applying oil to the muffler before taking it on a test drive. During the test drive, the oil caused significant smoke to emit from the hood and exhaust, giving the appearance of mechanical failure.

After the test drive, the male suspect attempted to purchase the vehicle for substantially less than the asking price.

When confronted by the seller, the suspects fled the area in an unplated Kia, which was last seen heading towards downtown Hespeler.

The male suspect is described as South Asian, with dark hair and a heavy build, wearing a black t-shirt and shorts and a tan and black waist pack.

Police are asking anyone who has had a similar experience while selling a vehicle to contact police at 519-570-9777, extension 2299.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.