OPP INVESTIGATING REPORTED “DIRTY OIL SCAM” IN BONFIELD TOWNSHIP

(BONFIELD TOWNSHIP, ON) – The North Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a reported vehicle sales fraud that occurred in Bonfield Township and is warning members of the public about a scam targeting individuals selling vehicles privately.

On July 20, 2026, the North Bay OPP received a report regarding an interaction between a vehicle owner and two prospective buyers that occurred on July 3, 2026, at a commercial property on Highway 17 in Bonfield Township. The interaction was captured by surveillance cameras.

The owner had arranged to sell their vehicle to two men who indicated they had travelled from Ottawa to view the vehicle.

During the interaction, one of the men directed the owner’s attention away from the rear of the vehicle while the second man remained near the exhaust. The second man appeared to spray a substance into the vehicle’s exhaust pipe.

Following a test drive, the men pointed out white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While the owner’s attention was focused on the smoke, one of the men opened the hood and appeared to spray a substance into the engine compartment.

The men subsequently claimed the vehicle had experienced a catastrophic engine failure and attempted to renegotiate the purchase price to less than half of the original agreed-upon amount.

The owner did not agree to the reduced price and advised that the vehicle would be professionally inspected.

The OPP is reminding individuals selling vehicles privately to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from potential fraud.

If you are selling a vehicle privately:

· Never allow prospective buyers to separate you from your vehicle.
· Be cautious if multiple individuals appear to be working together to distract you.
· If a serious mechanical problem suddenly appears during a vehicle viewing or test drive, stop the sale and have the vehicle professionally inspected.
· Do not feel pressured to reduce the sale price on the spot.

Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the North Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477 (TIPS), or online at www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.