Father and son arrested in Sacramento car buying scam

Sacramento Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a father and son for attempting to scam a victim by tampering with their car to pay less for the vehicle. 41-year-old Gabriel-Stefan Bebe and his 16-year-old son met with the victim to purchase a car. While the victim was talking to the son, the elder Bebe sprayed oil on the engine and claimed the car had mechanical issues. The seller agreed to drop the price of the car. Upon paying the victim, the son removed some of the money. The seller cancelled the transaction and called the sheriff’s office.

FATHER AND 16-YEAR-OLD SON ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY IN CAR BUYING SCHEME

Yesterday, a Sacramento County resident attempted to sell his vehicle through a private sale. He was contacted by 41-year-old Gabriel-Stefan Bebe and his 16-year-old son, who met the resident at his home to purchase the vehicle. While the victim spoke to the 16-year-old, Bebe discreetly sprayed the vehicle’s engine bay with oil, then claimed to the victim that the vehicle had serious mechanical issues, in an attempt to fraudulently drive down the asking price of $10,000. The victim then reluctantly agreed to sell the car to the duo for $6,000.

When the victim was handed the money, he noticed the 16-year-old remove some of the money using sleight of hand. When the victim counted the money, he only had $3,800. The victim became wary of their tactics and cancelled the transaction. As the victim attempted to take a photo with his cell phone, the 16-year-old pushed the 65-year-old victim while trying to leave. Fortunately, the victim was not injured and was able to maintain possession of his vehicle.

Sheriff’s Robbery detectives were able to identify both Bebe and his son within hours and took them into custody without incident. Bebe’s son was transported to the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall, while Bebe was taken to the Sacramento County Main Jail. Since then, Bebe posted bond on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 12.

Detectives believe Bebe and his son may be responsible for other similar crimes throughout California and are seeking the public’s help in locating any additional victims. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).