Serine
Authorities in North Carolina have arrested one suspect and are pursuing another in connection with a fraud ring that used a fake Tulsa address and a fabricated dealership identity to swindle buyers out of millions of dollars.
Victims, including a retired Oklahoma City firefighter, were lured by online ads offering vintage cars at attractive prices under the name Specialty Vehicles of Tulsa.
Victims Misled by Fake Business Identity and Location
The scammers used an address located in a Tulsa shopping center near 42nd and Mingo, misleading buyers into thinking they were dealing with a legitimate local dealership.
In reality, the address belonged to an unrelated business — Tulsa Truck Works — whose manager, Joby Taylor, recounted how distressed victims began contacting him in hopes of retrieving vehicles they paid for but never received.
“One woman said she gave $100,000 to these people,” Taylor said. “I had to tell her she’d been scammed.”
Some hopeful buyers even arrived in person, only to learn that no such car dealership existed there.
Online Ads Promoted Unrealistic Deals
The fraudulent listings, mostly found on Facebook and other online platforms, showcased high-end classic cars at unusually low prices.
These vehicles were advertised under the name Specialty Vehicles of Tulsa, complete with a fake slogan: “Dreams Come True.”
Investigators found that the scammers were also using fake Arizona addresses and aliases, expanding the operation across state lines.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation reports that victims in that state alone lost over $3 million.
Oklahoma Firefighter Scammed Out of $45,000
Among the victims was a retired firefighter from Oklahoma City who had saved $45,000 to buy his dream car — a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.
Before sending the money, he had a trusted car sales expert verify the paperwork and match it with what was listed online. Everything seemed legitimate — until he transferred the funds. After the payment, all communication ceased.
“You feel stupid,” he said. “Like, how could this happen?”
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
North Carolina law enforcement has arrested one individual involved in the scheme and continues to search for at least one more suspect.
Investigators suggest that the number of fraud victims continues to grow as more people come forward after losing significant amounts of money.
This elaborate fraud operation serves as a stark reminder to remain cautious when purchasing high-value items online, especially when the deal seems too good to be true.
The use of a legitimate-sounding business name and real locations created a false sense of trust for many buyers, leading to devastating financial losses.
As authorities continue to pursue justice, prospective buyers are urged to thoroughly verify sellers, avoid large payments upfront, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.