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Nelson woman’s car stolen on test drive

A Nelson resident says she doesn’t want anyone falling victim to the same scam she did, which resulted in her car being stolen.
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A Nelson resident had her 1992 Honda Accord (not the one pictured) stolen after she let a couple take it for a test drive.

A Nelson resident says she doesn’t want anyone falling victim to the same scam she did, which resulted in her car being stolen.

The woman, who asked that her name not be used, placed an online ad to sell her 1992 Honda Accord and received a phone call on Sunday from a couple with an out-of-town cell number.

“I met with them at the Hume Hotel,” she said. “We chatted, and they seemed normal. They said they were on their honeymoon, she was pregnant, and they needed a car because theirs had been stolen in Ainsworth the night before.”

The couple claimed to be from Calgary and said they needed to get home for Christmas. They asked to take the car for a test drive and indicated they would be back in 20 minutes. But much to her chagrin, they never returned.

“They were going to take it for a spin around the block. They had a convincing story. I didn’t have a lot of gas so didn’t think they were going to get far.”

The woman said her fatal mistake was not insisting on going along with them.

The man gave his name as Pablo, who the victim described as Hispanic looking, about six-foot-one, with a slender build and short facial hair. His partner did appear to be pregnant, and had shoulder length, light brown hair. He was in a black jacket while she was in a bright red jacket.

“I’m lucky that least I have a back-up vehicle,” the woman said. “I want other people to know so it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

She filed a police complaint but so far her car hasn’t turned up.

Sgt. Dino Falcone of the Nelson Police Department said they are investigating. He suggested being wary of anyone you don’t know who wants to use your car.

“Do your homework before you let anyone drive it. Try to get as much ID as possible. If they’re a prohibited driver, or intoxicated, you could have your car towed for 30 days.”

Falcone said he wasn’t aware of any similar incidents in Nelson in recent memory.