Attleboro man wanted for fraud at used car dealership

Sep 26, 2024 at 7:23 PM

Uncovering the Deception: Alleged Fraud at Attleboro Used Car Dealership

In a troubling turn of events, the Attleboro Police Department has issued multiple arrest warrants for a local used car dealer, Edward Cicciu, on charges of alleged fraud. The investigation has revealed a concerning pattern of deceptive practices at Bristol County Auto Exchange, Cicciu's business, leaving numerous customers feeling betrayed and financially compromised.

Exposing a Troubling Trend of Alleged Fraud

Vehicles Obtained on Loan, Titles Never Received

The investigation into Bristol County Auto Exchange has uncovered a disturbing modus operandi. According to the police, Cicciu has been obtaining vehicles on loan from an auction, but failing to secure the proper titles for these cars. Without the rightful ownership documents, Cicciu has been allegedly putting these vehicles up for sale at his dealership, deceiving unsuspecting customers.

The police have reported that since May, they have received around 25 complaints from individuals who claim to have been defrauded by Bristol County Auto Exchange. The pattern appears to be that Cicciu would complete a sale, take the payment, and then attach fake or forged license plates to the vehicle, promising the buyer that the title and registration would be mailed to them later. However, the victims never received the promised documents, leaving them unable to legally register the cars they had purchased.

This troubling practice has left the auction company, which had loaned the vehicles to Cicciu, in the process of repossessing the cars from the unwitting buyers. The customers, who had believed they were making a legitimate purchase, now find themselves in a precarious situation, unable to legally operate the vehicles they had acquired in good faith.

Alleged Fraud Leaves Victims Stranded and Betrayed

The impact of Cicciu's alleged actions has been far-reaching, leaving a trail of victims in his wake. Customers who had trusted Bristol County Auto Exchange to provide them with reliable and legitimate used vehicles now find themselves in a legal and financial quagmire.

Many of the affected individuals had likely saved up and made significant financial investments in these purchases, only to have their trust betrayed. The inability to register the vehicles has left them unable to legally operate the cars they had acquired, effectively stranding them and depriving them of the transportation they had expected to receive.

The emotional toll on these victims cannot be overstated. The sense of betrayal and the financial burden they now face can be truly devastating. Customers who had believed they were making a straightforward transaction now find themselves embroiled in a complex legal and financial situation, through no fault of their own.

Auction Company Seeks to Reclaim Vehicles

As the investigation into Bristol County Auto Exchange continues, the auction company that had loaned the vehicles to Cicciu has taken action to reclaim the cars. This move is aimed at mitigating the financial losses and ensuring that the rightful owners regain possession of their property.

The auction company's decision to repossess the vehicles is a necessary step in the process, but it further complicates the situation for the unsuspecting buyers. These individuals, who had already paid for the cars, now face the prospect of losing the vehicles they had acquired, as well as the money they had invested.

The repossession process adds an additional layer of complexity and uncertainty to an already challenging situation. Customers who had believed they were making a legitimate purchase now find themselves caught in the crosshairs of a legal battle, with their financial and personal well-being hanging in the balance.

Authorities Seek to Bring Alleged Perpetrator to Justice

The Attleboro Police Department has taken decisive action in response to the allegations against Edward Cicciu and Bristol County Auto Exchange. Multiple arrest warrants have been issued for Cicciu, indicating the seriousness of the charges and the authorities' determination to hold the alleged perpetrator accountable.

The police investigation has been thorough and meticulous, gathering evidence and testimonies from the numerous victims who have come forward. This comprehensive approach is crucial in building a strong case against Cicciu and ensuring that justice is served.

As the legal process unfolds, the authorities are committed to pursuing the matter to its conclusion. The goal is not only to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice but also to provide some measure of relief and closure for the victims who have been impacted by this troubling situation.