Swansea Car Dealer Charged with Fraud: Alleged Scam Leaves Dozens Victimized

In a shocking turn of events, the owner of a used car dealership in Swansea, Massachusetts, has been charged with fraud in connection with scamming more than two dozen people through his business. The investigation has uncovered a complex scheme involving the sale of vehicles that the dealer did not actually own or have the proper titles for, leaving a trail of victims in his wake.

Uncovering a Deceptive Scheme: Swansea Car Dealer Faces Fraud Charges

Alleged Crimes and Charges

Attleboro resident Edward Cicciu, 46, the owner of Bristol County Auto Exchange in Swansea, is facing a slew of charges related to his alleged fraudulent activities. According to court records, Cicciu is facing three counts of larceny of a motor vehicle and two counts of forging or misusing an RMV document, as well as a charge of failure to deliver a motor vehicle title upon transfer. These offenses are said to have occurred between July and September 2024.

Uncovering the Scam

The Swansea Police Department's investigation revealed that Cicciu had been engaging in a deceptive scheme to sell cars that he did not actually own or have the proper titles for. The scam involved Cicciu obtaining cars on loan from a local auto auction without their titles, as he had not paid for the vehicles in full. Without ever completing the purchase and obtaining the titles, Cicciu would then sell these cars at his Bristol County Auto Exchange dealership.

Deceiving Victims

In the process, Cicciu would take payment from unsuspecting customers and attach fake or forged license plates to the vehicles, promising to mail the titles and registrations at a later date. However, once the victims had paid for the cars, Cicciu would stop responding to them, even as the auto auction attempted to repossess the vehicles.

Urging Victims to Come Forward

Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley has urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam to come forward and contact Officer Donald Dibiasio at the Swansea Police Department. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to hold the alleged perpetrator accountable for the harm he has caused to the community.

Broader Implications and Lessons Learned

The case of the Swansea car dealer's alleged fraud serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, highlighting the importance of due diligence when purchasing a used vehicle. It also underscores the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the used car industry to protect unsuspecting buyers from falling victim to such deceptive practices. As the investigation continues, the community and authorities alike will be closely watching to see how this case unfolds and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.