Authorities have busted three alleged criminals who are suspected of selling stolen vehicles on Facebook Marketplace, only to track and steal them for profit later.
As Victoria continues to combat the surge in car thefts across the state, state police are sending out warnings to used car buyers following the bust of a vehicle rebirthing operation on May 28, 2025.
A trio of men have been charged with a combined 62 offences relating to theft and fraud after they were caught by police allegedly stealing vehicles and selling them online through Facebook marketplace.
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Victoria Police said the syndicate was using fraudulent VicRoads transfer papers, as well as car identification details obtained from other legitimate listings on the platform, to help facilitate fraudulent sales to unsuspecting buyers.
Additionally, state police allege the three men from Caroline Springs, Meadow Heights and Narre Warren South placed hidden trackers on the vehicles, which they then used to locate the cars and steal them at a later time, only to be resold again.
In late May, officers from the Vehicle Crime Squad and Viper Task Force conducted searches at the three men’s homes and two factories in Laverton North and Brooklyn.
Among the recovered items was a 2020 Nissan Qashqai that was allegedly stolen from a Craigieburn business in early May, and a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder that was taken directly from the car maker before it was registered.
Officers also found a range of fake, cloned, and stolen licence plates, false VicRoads transfer papers, logbooks from reborn vehicles, spare car parts, “large quantities of cash”, as well as mobile phones and computers.
Authorities confirmed 10 “fraudulent” sales were identified using 14 stolen vehicles, of which 12 have now been recovered. It is unclear what models were found or the total collective value.
Julie McDonald, a detective inspector from the Vehicle Crime Squad unit, is urging used car buyers to “be wary of scams such as this” when looking at the second-hand car market on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
“We know that with the cost of living that people are looking to get a great deal, but it’s important that the deal doesn’t result in people losing their hard-earned money.
“Vehicle theft can have an enormous impact on people’s lives, not only the financial losses associated with having your car stolen, but also losing the freedom of movement for things such as employment or family responsibilities,” Detective Inspector McDonald added.
How do you know if someone is scamming you for a car?
Victoria Police advised a range of pre-sale tactics that can mitigate the likelihood of used car buyers falling victim to a rebirthing scam.
Authorities said owners who aren’t present at the time of the sale are a big red flag, as well as the sellers who only produce a picture of the owner’s ID and not their own are also worth noting.
Additionally, used car sellers who pressure buyers into a sale that day and/or suggest meet-up locations in “out of the way places that may not be covered by CCTV” are also things to look out for.
“Anything where the deal seems too good to be true, and the seller is cagey with providing a lot of identification detail or pushing for a quick sale, should be ringing alarm bells with people,” Detective Inspector McDonald said in a media statement.
If none of these warning signs are present, running the car through a $2 personal property securities register (PPSR) check is a guaranteed way to find out if the vehicle has been stolen, if it’s been written off or if there’s any finance owing to it.
How do you know if someone is tracking your car?
While authorities didn’t confirm what electronic devices were used by the three alleged offenders, generally speaking, a Victoria Police spokesperson said small GPS devices like Apple Air Tags “can be hidden or disguised in a bag, or on a vehicle under a number plate, tow bar or fuel cap”.
“If an iPhone detects an unknown AirTag or a Find My Network accessory nearby that has been moving with you over time, you will receive a notification that an item has been detected near you,” a Victoria Police spokesperson advised.
“Should that occur, use the Find My app to see if your travels have been tracked, and tap ‘play sound’ to assist you in locating the AirTag. You can disable the AirTag to stop sharing your location by selecting ‘Instructions to Disable’ and following the on-screen steps.”
Authorities recommend following the same steps for Android users who have access to tracker detection smartphone apps.
Though there are a few reported instances of tracking incidents in the state, Victoria Police are urging members of the public to contact their local station if they believe they’re being spied on.
“If you have located a tracking device, are concerned you’re being tracked, or your safety is at risk, report it directly to police. Police across the state partner with various support services that specialise in facilitating checks of cars and mobile phones for tracking devices and spyware.
“Abusive behaviour, which includes using technology to evoke fear and control over victims, is unacceptable, and police will take action against anyone who engages in this activity.”
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