A sheriff’s department in California says it arrested two men after they tried to pull off what’s known as the “engine oil scam.” The Placer County Sheriff’s Department says a father and son duo, Iulian and Decebal Mihai, posed as interested buyers in a private car deal. Then, they poured oil onto the seller’s engine just before a test drive to make it look like the car had mechanical issues. “In this scam, what these scammers do is convince the seller that there is some catastrophic engine failure happening and they’ll offer to take the vehicle off that person’s hands for a significantly reduced price,” said Elise Soviar with the sheriff’s office. After the test drive, the suspects offered $4,000 for a vehicle with $12,000 asking price. When the suspects were arrested, police say they were driving a black SUV that they had scammed off another victim for about 25% of the asking price. Investigators say this crime is happening more often and scammers don’t stay in one area too long, which makes it difficult to find and arrest. If you or someone you know is selling a vehicle privately, consider selling through a trusted online marketplace that helps vet buyers. Before anyone even sits behind the wheel, ask to see a valid ID. A legitimate buyer won’t have a problem with that.

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. —

A sheriff’s department in California says it arrested two men after they tried to pull off what’s known as the “engine oil scam.”

The Placer County Sheriff’s Department says a father and son duo, Iulian and Decebal Mihai, posed as interested buyers in a private car deal.

Then, they poured oil onto the seller’s engine just before a test drive to make it look like the car had mechanical issues.

“In this scam, what these scammers do is convince the seller that there is some catastrophic engine failure happening and they’ll offer to take the vehicle off that person’s hands for a significantly reduced price,” said Elise Soviar with the sheriff’s office.

After the test drive, the suspects offered $4,000 for a vehicle with $12,000 asking price.

When the suspects were arrested, police say they were driving a black SUV that they had scammed off another victim for about 25% of the asking price.

Investigators say this crime is happening more often and scammers don’t stay in one area too long, which makes it difficult to find and arrest.

If you or someone you know is selling a vehicle privately, consider selling through a trusted online marketplace that helps vet buyers.

Before anyone even sits behind the wheel, ask to see a valid ID. A legitimate buyer won’t have a problem with that.