Miami law enforcement officers arrested a man on suspicion of defrauding at least 11 people out of $179,800 in cash. Carlos Rabello, 51, is accused of using his position in the finance department of a Honda dealership to organize the crime.
It seems there have been several similar scams. Victim Olga Telles told a local news channel. NBC6 Miami She reportedly visited the AutoNation Honda store in Miami Lakes to purchase the car in December 2022. Ravello said she was working there at the time and Telles offered her and her husband a 2019 Honda CR-V for $12,000 in cash. That’s well below the crossover’s market value, and it’s a good deal.
“He put us in the car, gave us the VIN and the receipt and made it look like everything was legal,” she told the outlet.
The couple withdrew the money, paid for the CR-V, and returned to the dealer to pick it up the next day as instructed, but were told it was not available. Ms. Telles couldn’t get her own car, and she’s not the only one with her car. local newspapers are miami herald report Another customer said he gave Ravello $32,000 in cash in two installments to pay for an unspecified car, but did not receive the car on time. Ravello “made excuses for her as to why she couldn’t pick up her car on her final payment day. A few weeks later, [he] The police report said the victim demanded a refund because he stopped answering his phone calls.
Ravello is said to have had $179,800 in cash in his pocket. Police said a customer gave him $50,000 in cash. Some of the victims knew him or were connected to him or his family, which made the scam easy, but while they were waiting for their next car, they sent a personal check. Some people did. The check was returned upon deposit.
Police arrested Ravello on May 1 and took him to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he is awaiting trial.He has eight counts of third degree grand theft, two counts of second degree grand theft of $20,000 to $100,000, four counts of transfer of worthless checks, and one theft of $10,000 to $50,000 from an elderly person. and, according to an organized fraud scheme Herald. His bail is set at $45,000, but he must prove that the money came from a legitimate source.
Miami-Dade Police have identified 11 victims, but believe there may be more. Police are asking anyone who believes they’ve been scammed by Ravello or another used car dealer to call 305-994-1000. AutoNation is cooperating with the investigation. NBC6 Have learned.
