David Harris was shocked to discover he owned two new vehicles he never purchased—victims of an identity theft scam.
David Harris, a recent retiree from Miami-Dade County, faced an unexpected issue when he attempted to renew his vehicle registration. His driver’s license was suspended due to a vehicle allegedly registered in his name, a vehicle he’d never acquired.
Upon investigation, Harris found that not only was a grey Toyota Highlander financed in his name, but also a Toyota Camry. His wife Regina succinctly described the helplessness of having their identity used without control over the situation.
Harris promptly filed a police report and approached the dealership in question, Hollywood Toyota, where the fraudulent transactions had taken place. The scammer had impersonated Harris using falsified documents, including details like his birthdate and social security number.
Despite visiting the address used by the fraudsters, Harris found little solace. A woman claimed ownership of the Highlander, dismissing it as ‘a blessing.’ Law enforcement, however, saw it differently and confiscated both cars.
Compounding Harris’s woes, toll bills exceeding $1,500 and a towing charge of $983 landed on his plate. Additionally, missed payments attributed to the fraudulent loans wreaked havoc on his credit score, plummeting it to five hundred ‘something,’ causing further distress.
Legal expert Howard Finkelstein explained that remedying such situations requires extensive effort, including removing the fraudulent cars from one’s name, restoring credit, and handling outstanding tolls and fines. These tasks can be persistent and challenging.
In a turn of positive events, collaboration with Hollywood Toyota allowed for the reversal of the fraudulent deals. The dealership took responsibility for the towing fees and moved to help Harris correct his credit standing by communicating with credit bureaus.
Harris addressed a judge to clear the tolls associated with the fraudulent vehicles. The judge ruled in his favor, alleviating another burden as the toll charges were dismissed.
Hollywood Toyota’s intervention extended further, ensuring that Harris’s credit was reported accurately as a case of identity theft, promising the restoration of his credit score.
Despite the resolution, the perpetrators, including the individual posing as Harris and the woman with the Highlander, remain at large. Only one person involved has been apprehended so far.
Thanks to diligent efforts from attorneys, dealership cooperation, and judicial support, Harris now seeks to recover from the ordeal and regain his financial stability.
Source: Wsvn
