The Columbia Police Department’s (CPD) Property Crimes investigators have arrested a 43-year-old man accused of swindling two victims out of thousands of dollars.
Bradley Donald Smith (DOB: 1-22-1975) was extradited to Columbia from Las Vegas Nevada last night and is charged with Two Counts of Obtaining Signature/Property Under False Pretenses from incidents that occurred in July.
Smith is currently housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC).
During a July 6, 2018 phone conversation, Smith allegedly convinced the male victims that they could purchase cars for a lower-than-retail-price. One victim wanted to purchase a 2018 Honda Accord for $7,800; the other victim, a 2017 Volkswagon GTI for $5,320.
In each case, Smith is accused of convincing the male victims to deposit money into his bank account in exchange for the vehicles. In the end, Smith failed to deliver the vehicles as promised and instead kept the cash.
The United States Marshals Service’s (USMS) Task Force Operation Intercept aided in the extradition and arrest.
Police Chief Skip Holbrook would like to offer these following tips to prevent scams:
- Don’t pay upfront for a promise / guarantee
- Consider payment with fraud protection
- Don’t deposit a check to a stranger’s bank account
- Be skeptical of ‘too good to be true’ offers
- Report suspected scammers to police immediately
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.