“Kent’s Black Oil Scam Targets Mercedes Owners, Warns Victim”

A Kent resident has raised an alarm about a new scam targeting car sellers, particularly those with Mercedes vehicles. Jay Cross from Folkestone fell victim to a devious “black oil” scheme that nearly cost him his prized car.

Kent’s Black Oil Scam Explained

Mr. Cross, a 64-year-old former construction boss, encountered two men posing as potential buyers interested in his 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, valued at £12,000. The incident took place on Tuesday, January 13, between 5 PM and 6:30 PM.

How the Scam Operates

During their visit, the men distracted Mr. Cross while one of them secretly poured black engine oil into the car’s water reservoir. The other pretended to inspect the vehicle, insisting that it was necessary to park it away from security cameras for better lighting.

• Distraction Techniques: One man asked to see inside the trunk while the other tampered with the engine.
• Produce False Evidence: Initially, everything seemed normal, but once the car was started, smoke billowed from the engine due to the oil contamination.
• Pressure Tactics: The scammers asserted that the engine was irreparably damaged, claiming repair costs of £10,000.

Confrontation and Outcome

The scammers pressured Mr. Cross for over an hour and a half, insisting that he let them tow the vehicle away for free. Feeling cornered and exhausted by their aggressive tactics, Mr. Cross ultimately paid them £200 in cash to leave.

Following the confrontation, he had the car inspected by a technician the next day, who declared the vehicle in good condition with no engine problems. However, the distressing event resulted in oil stains on Mr. Cross’s driveway, leading to an estimated repair cost of £4,500.

Advice for Vehicle Sellers

Experts and organizations like the AA advise the following precautions to avoid falling victim to similar scams:

• Sell through trusted buyers or dealerships.
• Remain vigilant during any transaction and invite a friend or relative to accompany you.
• Check oil and coolant levels before showing the vehicle to buyers.
• Record details of potential buyers, including contact information and vehicle registration.
• Report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.

The rise of the black oil scam has been noted in other regions, including Gloucestershire last September. Victims and witnesses are encouraged to share their experiences to help safeguard others. Residents of Kent must remain alert as these deceptive tactics become increasingly prevalent in the region.