Kia Dealer Tricks Scammer Into Arrest During Post-Purchase Congratulations Video

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

2 1 minute read

Kia Dealer Tricks Scammer Into Arrest During Post-Purchase Congratulations Video

What appeared to be another weekend car sale was anything but at a Memphis-area Kia dealership when a man attempted to purchase two vehicles with a fake ID bearing the name of a deceased person. To keep the suspect on site until police arrived, sales staff allowed the man to walk through the vehicle purchase process, including participating in a congratulatory video that made its way to TikTok, quickly followed by video of his arrest in the showroom.

According to Memphis police, the man went to Gossett Kia on August 10 to negotiate the purchase of two Kia Telluride SUVs. These weren't base Tellurides either, with the pair estimated to be worth $158,885 in total. Because if you're going to rip someone off, why do it over faux leather? It's Nappa or nothing, baby!

The entry-level 2024 Telluride LX with front-wheel drive starts at $37,585 (including destination), while a top-of-the-line SXP X-Line with all-wheel drive starts at $53,780. With a selling price of over $79,000 per Telluride, Gossett Kia likely added a number of dealer-installed accessories and packages (plus time) since there aren't many factory extras at this point, save for floor mats, mud flaps, and the choice of a color for that opulent Nappa leather.

It’s unclear exactly how or when the sales team realized something was wrong during the process, but after contacting the police, they decided to do everything they could to make the suspect believe he was actually buying the Tellurides. As seen in a now-viral TikTok, the man is congratulated and applauded as the new Kia owner. But things take an unexpected turn when the police arrive. “Wait a minute, what’s going on here?” he can be heard saying as he’s handcuffed.

The unlucky conman has been charged with “forgery of $60,000 to $250,000” and “attempted theft of property of $60,000 to $250,000.” Additionally, he will likely need transportation and a real ID if he has to post the $50,000 bail to get out of jail.