Gwinnett County police are looking for a Craigslist scammer who has been running a con game on — of all places — a car lot.
A man advertised a 2002 Honda Accord and a 2002 Ford Ranger owned by Honda Mall of Georgia for sale and then met at least three potential customers at the car lot and “sold”them the car. He took deposits ranging from $800 to $1,800, according to Cpl. Ed Ritter of Gwinnett police.
The victims said they all talked to a man who identified himself as “Jeff” at Honda Mall of Georgia last Sunday afternoon and completed a bill of sale with the forged name of the dealership sales manager. They were to return Monday or Tuesday with the rest of the money and take possession of the car.
When the victims returned to complete the deal, the “Jeff” was no where to be found.
Police have identified the phony used car dealer as Jeff Manders of Barrow County but haven’t yet located him. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called the Craigslist number and left a voice mail for the man the recording identified as “Jeff.” The message was not immediately returned.
Jayson Hoychick, the sales manager, told police he has had to “run off Jeff” multiple times when the guy would hassle him to sell trade-in vehicles.
One victim who identified Manders from a photograph, described him as white, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, 185 pounds with thinning strawberry blond hair, a blue eyes and thin moustache.
Manders wore “white Nike sneakers like older men wear,” according to an incident report.
Manders has an active forgery warrant through DeKalb County as well as a probation violation warrant issued by the U.S. Marshall’s Service, according to police.
He has been driving a dark gray 2006 Mazda Tribute with deer antlers across the back windshield, and the initials KMA are in the middle. Any other victims dealing with Mr. Manders may contact Sgt. Ted Conlon with the motor vehicle theft unit at 770- 513-5354.
About the Author
