Person of interest sought: The suspect is the white male at the bottom left hand side of the photo, wearing what appears to be plaid shorts and a plaid ball cap

Suspect Who Played A Role In Scammed Auto Sale Sought Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who picked up cash from a money transfer, sent from an unsuspecting victim in Georgia who thought he was purchasing a car off the Internet.

On July 7, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a man in Conyers, Georgia, who was attempting to purchase a white 2004 Nissan Maxima which he found on the Internet. The vehicle was being offered for sale by someone using a possible alias, and utilizing the services of an “eBay agent” who was also using what is believed to be a false

name.

The victim, per his Internet agreement, sent $2,720 via Western Union to an address in Bonita Springs earlier this month. Surveillance cameras showed a white male picking up the funds, however as it turns out, the entire sale was nothing but a fraud, according to Sheriff’s officials.

A few days later, the victim received an e-mail from the fake car’s seller indicating that she was unable to ship the vehicle because her son died in Iraq and she required an additional $1,990 for “payment of repatriation.”

It was at that point that the victim realized he was being scammed, investigators said.

detectives are looking for any information regarding the identity and whereabouts of the man in the attached surveillance photos, o determine his role in the transaction and the potential involvement of others.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.