Exploiting Position in Finance Department, Suspect Defrauds Multiple Victims

The Scam Unveiled: Perpetrator Takes Advantage of Honda Dealership

Law enforcement officers in Miami have apprehended Carlos Ravelo, a 51-year-old man accused of scamming at least 11 individuals out of $179,800 in cash. Ravelo allegedly exploited his position within the finance department of a Honda dealership to orchestrate the crimes.

The Deceptive Offer: Tempting Deals and False Legitimacy

In one instance, Olga Tellez, a victim, shared her story with local news channel NBC6 Miami. Tellez revealed that during a visit to the AutoNation Honda store in Miami Lakes in December 2022, Ravelo, who worked there at the time, offered her and her husband a 2019 Honda CR-V at an astonishingly low price of $12,000, on the condition of paying in cash. Trusting Ravelo's apparent authenticity, Tellez and her husband withdrew the money and completed the transaction, only to find out later that the vehicle was not available for pick-up as promised.

A Pattern of Fraud: Multiple Victims Fall Prey

Tellez's case was not an isolated incident. The Miami Herald reported that another victim handed over $32,000 in cash to Ravelo in two installments for an unspecified car, only to face disappointment when the vehicle was unavailable for pick-up. The deception continued as Ravelo ceased communication and refused to return the victims' calls, leading them to discover that he was no longer employed at the dealership. In total, Ravelo allegedly pocketed $179,800 from his victims.

Legal Consequences: Charges and Investigation

On May 1, 2023 Ravelo was arrested and taken into custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he awaits trial. He faces multiple charges, including grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. The Herald reports that his bond has been set at $45,000, subject to proving that the funds originate from legitimate sources. Miami-Dade police have identified 11 victims thus far, but they suspect there may be additional individuals affected by Ravelo's scams. Authorities encourage anyone who believes they have been defrauded by Ravelo or another used-car salesperson to contact them at 305-994-1000.

Cooperation and Ongoing Investigation: AutoNation Honda's Role

AutoNation, the dealership involved, is cooperating fully with the investigation, as confirmed by NBC6. Authorities are actively working to uncover the full extent of Ravelo's fraudulent activities and urge potential victims to come forward.