Phoenix man accused of keeping cash from used car sales, selling bogus warranties

Phoenix man arrested, accused of selling bogus warranties

Officials with the Arizona Department of Transportation say Eduardo Rodriguez, an employee at several used car dealerships in the Phoenix area, would, besides selling bogus warranties, sell cars to customers and keep the cash, instead of turning it into his employers. FOX 10's Nicole Garcia reports.

PHOENIX - A man has been arrested after he allegedly sold bogus warranties pocketed cash from used cars sales in Phoenix.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says 31-year-old Eduardo Rodriguez, an employee at several used car dealerships in the Phoenix area, would sell cars to customers and keep the cash, instead of turning it into his employers.

"He worked at one place, then he'd quit and leave, and then go work somewhere else," said Ryan Harding with ADOT. "After he departed, that’s when the dealership would go through paperwork and realize something's not adding up here."

According to ADOT detectives, three different car dealerships all filed separate fraud complaints against Rodriguez, and in February, he was indicted on nine felony counts, including theft, fraud, and forgery.

"He was selling customers bogus warranty policies," said Harding. "He would sell the same car to multiple people, pocketing the cash."

Eduardo Rodriguez (lower left)

ADOT officials say Rodriguez was arrested after its detectives learned he bought a car from one of the dealerships he worked for and financed it. A few days after buying the car, Rodriguez allegedly privately sold it.

"Because Rodriguez defaulted on the loan, his former employee was required to buy it back," ADOT said.

Rodriguez is accused of fraud, theft and forgery.

"Generally speaking, when it comes to buying a used vehicle from a used vehicle either from a used car dealer or in a private sale, ADOT recommends taking time and asking lots of questions and doing your research," ADOT said. "There are no dumb questions in a big purchase like this. If the seller is acting suspiciously, being evasive or uncooperative, walk away."

ADOT car buying tips: azdot.gov/CarBuyingTips