Donna man arrested for deceiving buyers with fake car sales

DONNA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Donna resident was arrested last week for organizing fake car sales.

Fernando Chavez Canchola, 49, was arrested Friday on multiple theft charges after he deceived multiple victims into buying used vehicles that were not available.

According to Donna police, Canchola used several different false aliases on social media to sell used vehicles below market value.

On social media, Canchola would ask buyers to purchase the vehicle paying cash up front, issue a fake receipt and never delivery the believed purchased vehicle.

Investigators found Canchola made over $30,000 by cases that were reported to the Donna Police Department.

Canchola has been charged with six counts of theft, police say.

He is expected to face more charges as victims come forward to police.

The Donna Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in identfying additional victims who believe they made a fake vehicle purchase with Canchola.

Police continue to investigate three separate criminal charges involving the same scheme that Canchola is involved with.

Authorities warn the public about the risk of purchasing vehicles on social media or outside of a dealership and to be weary of “too good to be true” deals.