Home Crime Businesswoman charged with defrauding 95 victims in fraudulent vehicle scheme

Businesswoman charged with defrauding 95 victims in fraudulent vehicle scheme

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A West Coast Demerara businesswoman has been charged with defrauding a total of 95 victims in a fraudulent vehicle sales scheme, which investigators say took place over the course of 2024.

Adacia Coleman, 31, owner of Limitless Lenders, is accused of scamming victims out of significant sums of money, with individual amounts ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000.

According to police, Coleman, who operates her business from her home at Lot 122 Stewartsville Old Road, West Coast Demerara, allegedly promised customers that they would receive vehicles of their choice after paying a deposit.

Victims were provided with receipts for their payments and told to expect delivery within three months. However, when the vehicles failed to arrive within the specified timeframe, many of the victims became concerned and sought updates from the businesswoman.

In response, Coleman reportedly cited delays due to a “storm in the Caribbean” each time customers followed up. As frustrations mounted, some victims demanded refunds, but Coleman only offered to return the money via MMG (mobile money) or bank cheques. Nine victims insisted on receiving cash and, according to reports, were issued post-dated cheques from Demerara Bank.

When the victims attempted to cash the cheques on the designated dates, they were informed by bank tellers that the cheques were invalid, and they were directed to return them to Coleman for clarification. Several victims have since filed complaints with the police, prompting an investigation into the matter.

Investigators have compiled five files related to the bank cheques, which were sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The DPP has recommended charges in two of the cases, while additional inquiries are ongoing in the remaining three. Meanwhile, files are being prepared for the other 86 victims who are still waiting for the delivery of their vehicles.

On Tuesday, Coleman turned herself in to authorities at the Leonora Police Station, accompanied by her lawyer. She was informed of the allegations against her and subsequently placed into custody for further investigation. Following advice from the DPP, Coleman was charged with two counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

Coleman appeared at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court #2 on January 8, 2025, before Her Worship Ms. A. George. She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison until January 31, 2025, when the case will be heard further. The investigation into the remaining matters continues, and more charges could follow.

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