CORONA, Calif. – In a bizarre and alarming case of fraud, two Arizona men have been arrested after allegedly trying to sell a stolen car they had rented through the Turo app. The suspects, Sebastian Flores and Lasso Floris, are believed to have carried out similar scams before, and authorities are now searching for additional victims.
How the Scam Unfolded
The scheme came to light after a victim reported losing $23,000 in a fraudulent car purchase. She had responded to a Craigslist ad, met with the seller, and was presented with what appeared to be legitimate registration and title documents. Trusting the paperwork, she handed over the money—only to later discover at the DMV that the documents were forged and the car was actually a rental from Turo.
The Sting Operation
After the victim contacted the police, investigators quickly found a similar ad online. Setting up a sting operation, officers arranged a meeting with the sellers.
Flores arrived at the location, driving yet another rental car he intended to sell. Police arrested him on the spot, uncovering an active warrant for auto theft in the process. Moments later, Floris also showed up and was taken into custody—he too had an outstanding warrant for trafficking stolen vehicles.
Why This Matters
Authorities warn that Flores and Floris have extensive criminal records and may have victimized others with their fraudulent car-selling scheme. Police urge anyone who suspects they may have been scammed to come forward.
How to Protect Yourself
Law enforcement officials advise buyers to verify all vehicle documents before making a purchase. Always cross-check VIN numbers, request official DMV records, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
This shocking case serves as a reminder to stay vigilant when purchasing vehicles online. Stay tuned for updates as the investigation continues.
