Fake Car Salesman May Have Hit Harford County: State's Attorney

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — After a fake car salesman has been linked to thefts at area car dealerships, prosecutors are asking potential victims in Harford County to come forward. The man, who identifies himself as Clarence Edward Jones, has allegedly been scamming people since 2016.

Here is how his scam works: Jones approaches people at various car dealerships who are potential buyers. He identifies himself as a salesman and after the prospective buyers pick out a vehicle, he asks for a deposit, then gives a reason why he cannot provide the car that day.

Investigators said it remains unclear where the actual employees of the car dealerships are during the time that Jones is interacting with customers.

When victims contact the dealership to ask about the car, they are told there is no employee named Jones and there is no record of their purchase.

"These are not people who can easily afford to lose this money...” Harford County State's Attorney Joseph Cassilly said in a statement. “We have found other victims in Baltimore but we believe there are still others in Harford County who may have been scammed by Jones."

Anyone with information about Clarence Edward Jones and/or similar activity is asked to call the Harford County State's Attorney's Office at 410-638-3500 to speak with an investigator.

Photo courtesy of the Harford County State's Attorney.