Arima residents lose $9,000 to online car scams in separate incidents

In Arima, two residents fell victim to separate online car scams, losing a total of $9,000 within a day. The first incident involved a 42-year-old woman from Maturita Village who responded to a Facebook Marketplace ad for a white Toyota Fielder Wagon. She paid a $2,000 deposit to a seller’s bank account but was unable to reach the seller afterward, and the vehicle was never delivered. The second victim, a 38-year-old man from River Road, also encountered a scam while looking for a white Hyundai Elantra listed by a company named “Marshalls Automotive.” He lost $7,000 in the process, reflecting the growing concerns over online fraud in vehicle transactions. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution when purchasing vehicles online.