Man Arrested for Attempted Theft and Identity Theft at Kia Dealership
- A 63-year old man allegedly tried to steal two Kia Tellurides via forgery.
- Authorities say he used the identification card of a deceased man.
- Now, he’s facing multiple charges and has a $50,000 bond.
Scam Attempt Foiled at Kia Dealership
Dealerships are not immune to scams and theft attempts. Recently, at Gossett Kia in Memphis, Tennessee, employees noticed something suspicious about a customer on August 10. They immediately contacted the police and played a crucial role in apprehending the suspect right in the dealership showroom. The way the dealer employees handled the situation is almost comical.
Identity Theft and Attempted Theft
The suspect, identified as 63-year-old William Hayes, allegedly used a fake Tennessee driver’s license bearing the name of a deceased person. He attempted to purchase two Kia Tellurides using this false identification. The total value of the vehicles amounts to $158,885.
Dealer Employees Play Along
Surprisingly, the dealership employees and authorities allowed Hayes to complete the entire buying process. They went beyond just signing the paperwork; they even had Hayes pose for a congratulatory photograph and video before the police intervened.
Arrest and Charges
A video captured the moment of Hayes’ arrest. Confused, he can be heard saying, “Wait a minute, what’s going on here?” as the police handcuffed him. Hayes is now facing charges of forgery between $60,000 and $250,000, as well as attempted theft of property within the same value range. He is currently in jail with a $50,000 bond.
Similar Incidents in the Industry
Instances of scammers attempting to deceive dealerships are not uncommon. Dealerships themselves have been known to engage in fraudulent practices, which may make some view this arrest as karma.
Excessive Fees at the Dealership
Interestingly, the Kia dealership was charging an average of $79,000 for each Telluride, while the most expensive trim has an MSRP of under $54,000. This suggests that Gossett Kia added significant additional fees to inflate the prices.
