(FOX40.COM) — Two people were arrested in connection with an ‘oil-in-the-engine’ car scam that has been circulating through California.
• Video Above: Scams circulating in California
On Monday, the Placer County Sheriff’s arrested Lulian Mihai,19, and Decebal Mihai, 36, both from Fremont, for their alleged involvement in the scam. The scam involves a car buyer causing damage to a sellers vehicle so that they will reduce the selling cost.
Northern California police arrest driver with more than 100 pounds of illegal fireworks
Advertisement
Advertisement
Last week, a Newcastle resident contacted PCSO after the suspects tried to scam her while buying her vehicle. During the test drive, the car suddenly began to smoke – something it hadn’t done before, according to PCSO.
“This well-known scam tricks victims into believing their vehicle has a catastrophic problem, which the all-too-willing suspects are able to take off the victim’s hands for a steeply reduced price,” PCSO said.
Police chase in Sacramento ends with car crash into house
In this case, the victim grew suspicious that the individuals had introduced oil to the vehicle to make it appear something was wrong with the car. The victim reportedly told the suspects to come back another day. That’s when the victim contacted deputies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Together, they arranged a follow-up meeting with the suspects in Newcastle. When the pair arrived, they were met instead by our deputies and detectives and were promptly arrested. A search of their vehicle revealed counterfeit documents and evidence of identity theft, according to PCSO. Further investigation revealed that the 4Runner they drove to Newcastle had also been obtained in a similar scam in the Bay Area. The original owner had been tricked into selling her car for less than 25% of its value.
Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Placer County Jail for alleged theft-related crimes, conspiracy, and fraud charges.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
