Man Faces Charges of Identity Theft and Theft by Deception in Connection to $50K Car Purchase Scam
A man from Guam has been charged with identity theft and theft by deception after allegedly using another individual’s identity to purchase a car. Raynard Llamelo Diza, 38, is accused of posing as someone else and submitting an online application for a vehicle in January. The application was verified and successful, leading to Diza being contacted to collect the car. However, it wasn’t until March that the dealership discovered the fraudulent nature of the purchase.
According to a complaint filed by an employee of the dealership, Diza was asked to provide an additional $2,000 and updated check stubs, which he did later in the day. The dealership then learned that Diza had used a fraudulent driver’s license to complete the transaction. It was revealed that the individual Diza impersonated had not applied for a loan for the vehicle, valued at $50,283, according to First Hawaiian Bank.
Guam Police Department detectives determined that Diza’s driver’s license photo did not match his true identity. They compared it to previous investigations involving the victim and confirmed the discrepancy. In addition to the charges of identity theft and theft by deception, Diza was also charged with committing a felony while on pretrial release for another case dating back to 2022 and 2023.
This case highlights the ever-present risk of identity theft and serves as a reminder to remain vigilant when conducting online transactions. Fraudsters are continually finding new ways to exploit personal information, and it is crucial for individuals and businesses to take appropriate steps to protect themselves. This incident also underscores the importance of verifying identities thoroughly before finalizing significant purchases.
The Guam Police Department has urged the public to report any suspicious activity or incidents related to identity theft to help combat this type of crime effectively. Authorities are working diligently to prosecute cases like this and prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
As the investigation into Raynard Llamelo Diza’s alleged identity theft and car purchase scam continues, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. Those found guilty of identity theft and theft by deception can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
In conclusion, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for heightened awareness and security measures in today’s digital age. By remaining vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect personal information, individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to identity theft and similar scams.
