Two Durham Region residents, a 33-year-old from Pickering and a 22-year-old from Ajax, Durham Suspects arrested following a fraudulent scheme aimed at lowering the price of a used vehicle. The suspects allegedly used a “dirty oil” scam, where they tried to convince the seller that the car had significant mechanical issues to justify offering a much lower price.
The incident unfolded on February 7, 2026, when Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Peterborough County were contacted by a Selwyn resident who reported a fraud attempt during the sale of their vehicle. According to the victim, the car had been listed for sale online, and the suspects made arrangements to meet for an inspection.
During the meeting, the suspects allegedly pointed out problems with the car, including oil leaking from the engine compartment and exhaust pipe. They claimed that the vehicle would require extensive repairs but made an offer to purchase the car for a significantly reduced price. When the victim refused the lowball offer, the suspects continued to pressure the owner with even lower offers.
Realizing the scam, the victim decided to end the sale and reported the fraud attempt to the authorities. Shortly afterward, OPP officers stopped a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ car. Upon interaction, the driver was unable to provide a driver’s license or insurance card, and the license plates were not registered to the vehicle.
The police arrested three individuals in connection with the incident. The two suspects from Durham Region were charged with fraud over $5,000, mischief under $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. A third suspect, a 26-year-old from Scarborough, was also arrested and faces the same charges.
Additionally, the Pickering suspect was charged with several driving-related offenses, including failure to surrender a license, failure to carry an insurance card, and failure to display two plates on the vehicle.
OPP officials noted that the vehicle used by the suspects had recently been purchased and was linked to a similar fraud attempt in another region. The investigation continues as police work to determine if the suspects are involved in other fraud schemes in the area.
Durham Region residents are reminded to stay vigilant when selling items online and to be cautious of lowball offers or pressure tactics from potential buyers. If a deal seems too good to be true or suspicious, it’s important to report it to the authorities.
