Have you recently been the victim of an auto scam through Craigslist.com? If so you're not alone. Los Angeles police are now asking residents for any information they can get about a particular person that's believed to be a Craigslist scammer.
Don Atkerson, 44, is probably hoping a skilled criminal attorney in Los Angeles will come to his rescue with a good defense, now that he's been arrested. Atkerson allegedly put multiple ads up on Craigslist last October, claiming to be an Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanic in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas with more than 23 years experience. On October 27, he allegedly showed up at a victim's home in Windsor Square, where authorities say that he requested an advance cash payment from the victim that he said would go toward buying car parts, according to LAPD.
LAPD officials say that the victim received a shock when Atkerson didn't come back with the car parts, kept the cash advance, and deactivated his cell phone. A few days later Atkerson allegedly placed a similar ad on Craigslist with a different phone number. Authorities arrested Atkerson on December 16 and he is currently being held in custody.
Los Angeles police believe that there can be more victims involved with the auto scam, where officers are asking the victims to come forward. If more victims come forward and LAPD receives more information about the crime, it will certainly help the prosecutors.
Anybody with information about Don Atkerson or his whereabouts should call the Los Angeles Police Department at (213) 382-9381. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
- LAPD Seeks Victims of Auto Scam (89.3 KPCC)
- What is Fraud? (FindLaw)
- About Craigslist Scams (Craigslist)
