A CAR worth $7500 was stolen from a Redlands home after its owner advertised it for sale on classified ad website Gumtree.
A Cleveland police spokesperson said the owner handed over the keys earlier this month, believing electronic payment for the white Mercedes had been made.
The spokesperson said the car was taken for a test drive before a price was agreed upon.
The owner then watched as the unknown offender made an online transaction, with the car then driven away.
Police suspected the scammer made a scheduled payment in front of the vendor to make out the car had been paid for but cancelled the transaction before it was processed.
“People need to be more wary,” the spokesperson said.
“Don’t let your car or property go before it has been paid for.”
Witnesses to crime can contact Policelink on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1300 888 000.
Always dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
