'Audi-buyers duped by fraudster' (From Free Press Series)

'Audi-buyers duped by fraudster'

9:10am Wednesday 30th July 2008

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ABERGAVENNY car buyers have been caught up in an alleged multi-million pound national scam.

The alleged deception centres around Gwent Fleet Management Limited and its director Brian John Webb, 65, of Llanellen, who is said to have sold vehicles to hundreds of motorists acting as a middle-man between the dealer or manufacturer and innocent customers. Up to 20 finance companies are also said to have been duped.

The allegations involve customers who bought prestigious cars from GFM, arranging cash payments in some cases. It is claimed that the company then took out a hire purchase finance on the vehicles through a number of major UK finance companies.

A number of deceived buyers, named on a website forum thisismoney.co.uk claim they paid the Llanover-based car finance company and took delivery of their vehicle. In the meantime, having received payment, it is alleged that Gwent Fleet Management took out a finance agreement on the cars, unbeknown to the buyer.

In one case, a vehicle parked on a buyer's driveway was repossessed by the finance company. Many other aggrieved buyers, having paid up to £50,000 for their vehicles, are warning others not to keep their cars at their home address in case they are seized.

One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Free Press that he bought a car from GFM last year, after a friend recommended it to him. He knows of at least 80 people affected, he says.

"I bought a new car in October, paying £15,000 in two instalments," he said.

"I had the documents for it but three weeks ago I received a letter from a finance company asking me how I came into possession of the car.

"It transpired that GFM had taken out a finance agreement on my car in December.

"Thankfully my case was resolved quickly as I could prove ownership but it was an extremely worrying time. I know of several other people who are in a much worse situation, often having spent between £20,000-30,000 on expensive cars including Audis."

"There are people as far away as Cornwall, Scotland and London who are affected by this scam and many don't know where to turn."

Despite several efforts by the Free Press to contact Mr Webb, no-one at Gwent Fleet Management's offices was available for comment. The registered Llanover Business Centre premisis was locked to members of the public and the phone line has been disconnected.

Mr Webb was also absent from his business address at Turnpike Centre in New Inn.

Consumer Direct Wales advise any motorists who think they may be affected to call 08454 040506 for advice. Both Gwent Police and Monmouthshire County Council's trading standards department declined to comment.

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