South Australians who believe they may have fallen victim to a classic car scam are being urged to come forward, following the interstate arrest of a man linked to fraudulent online vehicle advertisements.
Police say the 56-year-old Victorian man is accused of targeting classic and collectable car buyers through online ads, with Holden Monaros and Toranas among the vehicles commonly used to lure victims in.
Investigators allege the man advertised vintage cars that did not exist, convincing buyers to transfer deposits after supplying false documentation to make the listings appear legitimate. Once payments were made, communication allegedly stopped.
The suspected offending is believed to date back to between 2019 and 2020, with dozens of victims identified across Australia. At least four South Australians are believed to have fallen victim to the scam during 2025 alone, losing tens of thousands of dollars collectively.
According to police, the advertisements were primarily posted on popular online marketplaces, preying on buyers who were actively searching for rare or hard-to-find vehicles. Classic cars can be particularly attractive targets for scammers, with strong demand, emotional investment, and high values often involved.
The man was arrested in Victoria on Thursday 29 January and has since been charged with multiple fraud and deception offences. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 February.
Authorities are now keen to hear from anyone in South Australia who believes they may have been affected, even if the incident occurred several years ago or the financial loss seemed relatively small at the time.
South Australia Police say scam activity linked to vehicle sales can be difficult to detect, particularly when offenders use convincing paperwork, detailed listings, and believable backstories. They are reminding buyers to be cautious when transferring money for vehicles sight unseen, and to independently verify ownership details before making any payments.
Residents who think they may have been targeted, or who have information that could assist investigators, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online. When reporting, reference number 123796 should be quoted.
