Leasing fraud in Jura: police warn of luxury car scam using straw buyers
Jura cantonal police are warning of a new leasing contract fraud scheme. At least four young people in the canton have already been affected.
Luxury cars in others' names: Jura police sound alarm
Google News CH — Crime (de) reports on a new fraud scheme that the Jura cantonal police are explicitly warning about: young people are being lured into concluding leasing contracts for luxury vehicles in their own names in exchange for several hundred francs per month. Already four young men and women from the canton are affected, as broadcaster RTS reports.
The pattern is always the same: the affected individuals receive compensation, go to the leasing agency, sign the contract — and then hand the vehicle over to third parties. After that, the car disappears.
Sébastien Frund, head of the cantonal criminal police, explains to RTS: "The vehicle disappears from road traffic. It is probably taken abroad, particularly to France, and used there for criminal purposes."
The legal consequences fall exclusively on the person who signed the contract — regardless of whether they ever used the vehicle themselves. The leasing company demands outstanding monthly payments from the contract signatory. Traffic fine notices for offences such as speeding are also sent to their address.
Frund warns clearly: "These people expose themselves to criminal prosecution, particularly for breach of trust."
The scheme is not limited to Jura. Police authorities in the cantons of Geneva and Neuchâtel have each registered a comparable case.
Jura cantonal police advise against putting your own name at the disposal of third parties under any circumstances — and to exercise particular caution whenever payment is offered in return.
Source: Google News CH — Crime (de)