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Teen Loses $58K College Fund in DMV Mercedes-Benz Scam

Teen Loses $58K College Fund in DMV Mercedes-Benz Scam

First seen 3 Nov 2026, 20:20 UTC • •

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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •November 3, 2026 at 22:46 UTC
  • •California teen lost $58,000 college fund in a car scam involving a DMV title error.
  • •The Mercedes-Benz was repossessed by Carvana after Berjis verified the title with the DMV.
  • •LAPD is investigating the case, but the seller's identity remains unknown.

Seventeen-year-old Arrod Berjis from California lost his $58,000 college savings after purchasing a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which was later repossessed due to a scam involving a DMV title error. Berjis believed the car had a clear title, having verified it with the DMV and obtained a Carfax report showing no liens. After spending three months repairing the vehicle, he found a buyer willing to pay $75,000, but the car was repossessed by Carvana before the sale. The DMV later admitted that paperwork may have been overlooked during the title transfer process. LAPD detectives are investigating the case, but the seller used a fake identity, complicating efforts to locate them. Berjis is now seeking reimbursement from Carvana or the return of his vehicle, fearing that the loss of his savings will delay his college education.

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Timeline

2026-11-03
Teen discovers car repossession
Arrod Berjis learned that his Mercedes-Benz was repossessed by Carvana, despite verifying the title with the DMV.
abc7news.com

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Common questions

What should I do if I encounter a similar situation?
Always verify the vehicle title with the DMV and obtain a Carfax report before purchasing.
How can I report a suspected scam?
Contact local law enforcement and file a report with the DMV to investigate the title legitimacy.
What are my options if I lose money in a scam?
Consider seeking legal advice to explore options for recovering lost funds or filing a complaint with consumer protection agencies.