On Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 10 a.m., a resident reported being a victim of fraud. The victim stated that he posted his 2000 Nissan Maxima for sale on Craig’ s List (craigslist.com) early in the month of August. He was contacted by a male party from by telephone expressing interest in the vehicle. The subject came and looked at the vehicle and identified himself as Howard Williams of West Orange, NJ. Mr. Williams showed interest in the vehicle and arranged to purchase the vehicle for $4,800.
The suspect is described as a black male, 5′ 7″ – 5″ 10″, short hair, dark complexion, and a skinny build.
On Friday, August 12, 2011 at approximately 9:55 a.m., Mr. Williams came to victim’s residence to purchase the vehicle with a TD Bank certified check made payable to the victim in the amount of $4,800.00.
The victim signed the back of the title for the vehicle but Mr. Williams refused to sign the title and stated that he was registering it in a friend’s name; Mr. Williams came to the victim’s house in a taxi.
On August 13, 2011, the victim deposited the check into his Bank Of America account. He later learned on August 17, 2011 that his bank stated that the check he had received was a fraudulent check.
On August 26, 2011, the victim was contacted by the Newark Police Department advising him that the 2000 Nissan Maxima was located parked on the side of the road with no license plates.