Indianapolis police say a trio turned Facebook Marketplace into their personal pickup lot, running a coordinated scheme that lured car sellers into test drives that never circled back. Instead, officers say, the would-be buyers drove off with the vehicles and signed titles, then moved quickly to re-register or sell the cars. Several of the victims were Hispanic, according to investigators.
Court documents name the defendants as Chad Griffith, Sierra Griffith and Cody Webb. They are charged with multiple counts of auto theft and theft, along with corrupt business influence, and police say Chad Griffith also faces a criminal recklessness charge tied to a deadly weapon. Public records show Sierra Griffith and Cody Webb have posted bond, while Chad Griffith remains in jail.
Security consultant Gary Woodruff told reporters the case is a textbook example of how online deals can go sideways. He urged sellers to meet only in well-lit, camera-covered locations and to never hand over keys or a signed title before money is in hand and verified, as reported by WTHR.
Victims' accounts and alleged targeting
Several sellers described nearly identical encounters. A buyer contacts them through Facebook Marketplace, sets up a meeting, asks for a test drive, then vanishes down the street with the vehicle and paperwork.
Jose Pacheco told police that his 2012 Kia Soul disappeared during one such Marketplace meetup. Investigators say the car later turned up at a residence linked to one of the suspects. Another seller, Eduard Aguilera, reported that a buyer left with his car and its title and never returned.
According to a victim's statement filed in the case, the suspects allegedly told investigators they were “just doing this to hispanic.” As reported by WTHR, that allegation is now part of the court record.
Pattern fits wider online scams
Investigators say these arrests tie into a wider probe of similar thefts around Indianapolis, where quick title transfers and face-to-face meetups can give organized crews a head start. Industry observers and federal authorities have tracked comparable schemes that rely on online listings to move stolen vehicles or rapidly change ownership paperwork to stay ahead of victims and law enforcement. The U.S. Attorney's Office has documented related online marketplace crimes in the region.
How to stay safe
Police and security experts offer a few basic rules for anyone buying or selling a car online: meet in public, busy locations such as police station parking lots or high-traffic retail areas with cameras, verify the vehicle identification number and title information before agreeing to a deal, and insist that payment fully clears before you hand over keys or a signed title.
Anyone in Indianapolis who believes they were targeted in a similar way is urged to contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and to hang on to texts, photos, receipts and any other records that might help investigators track patterns and suspects.
Legal note
Court documents outline felony charges that could bring significant prison time if the defendants are convicted. Prosecutors say the investigation is still active, and additional filings and court dates will be entered in Marion County as the case moves forward.
