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California DMV blamed for teen’s car scam — as $60K Mercedes vanishes overnight
A 17-year-old California student says he lost his $58,000 college savings after buying a Mercedes-Benz that was later repossessed, despite checking its title with the DMV. The incident is under investigation as suspected fraud, and raises questions about how the title transfer was approved.
Arrod Berjis bought the 2019 car after a DMV employee reportedly assured him there were no outstanding liens, and a Carfax report also showed none. After spending three months repairing it, he found a prospective buyer for $75,000, but the car disappeared before the sale; he later learnt Carvana had ordered its repossession. Berjis says the DMV acknowledged that earlier-owner paperwork may have been overlooked, while police investigate a seller who allegedly used a false identity. The DMV and Carvana had not commented to the news station, and Berjis hopes to recover the car or his money.
In short
- A teenager says a Mercedes bought with his college fund was repossessed.
- He says the DMV had assured him the title was clear.
- Police are investigating suspected fraud involving a seller’s false identity.