Suspected victims have spoken out about a Swansea used car dealer charged with fraud

Swansea police have arrest warrants for Edward Cicciu, the owner of the Bristol County Auto Exchange on Route 6.

According to police, people began coming forward on May 25 claiming that Cicciu was selling cars without titles.

“I paid for the car in full and now what happens to me and everyone else who is in the same boat as me? Now we have lost a lot of money,” said Jason Correia, who bought his dream car from Cicciu back in June, but never received a title. “The plates would expire at the end of the month and I would come back here and say these plates are expired and I would ask if they have my real plates and they would put another temporary plate, I went through four of them .”

Correia is not alone. Other customers claim they paid for and took delivery of a vehicle that had fake temporary plates with a promise of a title that was never given.

And without a title it is impossible to register the car.

“It's just a shame because now these cars are being recycled and a lot of families can't work or eat, it's a very sad situation,” said Kimberlee Lescault, who bought a car last three weeks.

Police continue to search for Cicciu and customers are eagerly waiting for their money to be refunded.

According to Massachusetts guidelines, customers must consider the following before purchasing a used car:

• Before making a down payment or signing a contract to purchase a vehicle, consumers should ensure that the dealer currently has title to the vehicle and that there is no negative information on the title.
• Used car dealers are required to obtain a bond or an equivalent guarantee. Consumers who believe that a merchant has engaged in unfair or deceptive acts and practices can contact their local licensing authority to obtain a copy of the merchant's bond bond and may contact the bond company to discuss the claim to inquire about a claim.
• For more information about what consumers should know before buying or leasing a car, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-to-know-about-buying-or-leasing-a- car.
• Consumers who have a problem with a business and need assistance resolving the problem should file a consumer complaint with the AGO online or by telephone at (617) 727-8400.