Attorney General Mike DeWine
Arrest of indicted Craigslist Scammer 

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Morrow County Prosecutor Charles Howland announced today the indictment and arrest of alleged Craigslist scammer Nicholis Corey Garner. The indictment alleges that Garner is a member of a larger group that has used postings of cars, trucks, and all-terrain vehicles for sale on Craigslist to steal tens of thousands of dollars from victims across the country. 

"The indictment and arrest of Nicholis Corey Garner sends a message that criminals cannot hide behind computers and fake names to commit their crimes," Attorney General DeWine said. "If you are a cyber-scam artist, you will be prosecuted and you will pay for your actions." 

Garner, whose last known address was Atlanta, Ga., was indicted on July 26, 2012, for a first-degree felony of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities. Garner is also charged with grand theft in excess of $7,500, telecommunications fraud, and money laundering. The indictment was sealed until his arrest on Sept. 18, 2012, in Kentucky. Officials are seeking his extradition to Ohio. 

The indictment alleges that starting in October 2011, Garner posted vehicles on online advertising sites such as Craigslist and EBay. Using several alias names and fake emails coming from Google or eBay Customer Support, Garner instructed the victims to send money via Western Union to where he claimed to be located. Garner presented fake IDs at Western Union locations and picked up the money but never provided any vehicles to the victims. 

The indictment alleges that Garner stole $24,608 from Ohio victims, with dozens of other victims identified across the country. Garner is suspected to be a member of a larger enterprise committing these crimes throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. 

"Criminals are discovering new ways to scam hard-working individuals every day," DeWine said. "Consumers need to be cautious about online transactions and remember that a seller may not be who he or she claims to be." 

The Economic Crimes Division, created inside the Consumer Protection Section by Attorney General DeWine in March 2011 to identify potential criminal cases and work with local law enforcement to aid in their prosecution, assisted in this case. Since its inception, the work of the Consumer Protection Section's Economic Crimes Division has led to 45 indictments. Attorneys from the Consumer Protection Section's Economic Crimes Division will serve as Special Assistant Morrow County Prosecutors in the case. 

As October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Attorney General DeWine reminds consumers to remember these tips before entering into an online transaction: 

Never wire money or send a prepaid money card to a stranger, especially out of the state or country. 

Research the reputation of a business or online seller with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, the Better Business Bureau, and by conducting an Internet search before purchasing an item or service. 

Beware of imposters pretending to be friends or family members. 

Deal with local sellers and buyers. 

If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. 

A copy of the indictment can be found on the Ohio Attorney General's website. 

If you have been a victim of a cyber-scam, or any other fraudulent activity, contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 800-282-0515 or visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.