Davis Admits $200K Internet Car Scam

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Davon Davis, a resident of Manhattan, has confessed to running a brazen scheme that swindled car buyers across the United States out of nearly $200,000. Davis, facing federal charges, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa M. Smith in White Plains federal court.

The operation, spanning from late 2013 to early 2015, preyed on unsuspecting individuals searching for vehicles online. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Davis and his accomplices fabricated listings for cars that didn’t exist, using bogus businesses and a false address in White Plains, NY. Victims wired their hard-earned money believing they were securing a legitimate purchase, only to be left empty-handed.

“Davon Davis brazenly defrauded individuals who thought they were purchasing cars with their hard-earned money, but in fact there were no cars to be sold,” stated Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. “Davis has now admitted his crime and will face the consequences of his actions.” The investigation revealed a widespread network of deceit, targeting buyers from across the country.

Federal investigators uncovered that Davis and his co-conspirators never owned, nor legally possessed, any of the vehicles advertised online. The scheme relied on creating a false sense of legitimacy, complete with fabricated business names and a nonexistent storefront in White Plains. The stolen funds were used for personal gain, leaving a trail of financial ruin for the victims.

DAVON DAVIS now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge. The final sentence will be determined by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas at a future sentencing date. The statutory maximum is set by Congress, but judicial discretion will ultimately dictate the punishment.

Bharara’s office commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the White Plains Police Department for their diligent work in bringing Davis to justice. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Collins Jr. and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Abinanti of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. This case serves as a stark warning: online car shopping requires vigilance, and those who prey on innocent buyers will be held accountable.