SCAM ALERT: Couple accused of car buying scam on Craigslist

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Harris County investigators believe a couple may have scammed many on Craigslist into thinking they were buying a car.

Leah Napoliello with Better Business Bureau Investigative Services says it could be very hard to know who you're receiving money from.

Investigators have arrested Angelo Moreno and Jessica Sandoval. The two are accused of paying for cars on Craigslist with bad checks then selling the cars off before sellers realize the checks never cleared.

In some cases, deputies say the couple gave out small cash down payments to build trust.

"You've given your car away and now you have just a fake check, you can report it to the police," Napoliello said. "But if you don't have the person's contact information, their real name, that sort of thing, then you're really out of luck."

The Better Business Bureau of Houston receives hundreds of complaints like this case every year. In each case, sellers accepted checks or paper guarantees that turned out to be fake.

"If somebody gives you a check, go with the buy to their issuing bank and make sure that they do actually have funds to withdraw and they're not just giving you a fake check," Napoliello added.

If anyone has information about Moreno or Sandoval, you are asked to call police.