Tasmanian Woman Loses $10,000 in Facebook Marketplace Van Scam, August 18

Leanne Roney of Port Sorell, Tasmania, lost $10,000 after buying a Fiat Ducato van on Facebook Marketplace in April that turned out to be stolen. She paid $9,000 for the vehicle and spent another $1,000 on registration and upgrades. Two days after purchase, a repossession company arrived and took the van. The seller, Michael John Bowerman, pleaded guilty to fraud in June and faces a restitution hearing on August 24.

How the scam unfolded

Roney checked the vehicle’s registration status in Tasmania before buying the van and found it registered to seller Michael John Bowerman, 41. After a test drive, she purchased the vehicle. Two days later, a representative from Derwent Mercantile, a repossession company, arrived at her home and informed her the van belonged to Asset Rental Group, which had leased it to Bowerman under a rent-to-buy program. About two months later, the van was towed away.

Why the registration check failed

Asset Rental Group stated the vehicle had been illegally resold by one of its customers to a third party. Under the company’s lease-to-own model, vehicles are registered in the customer’s name so that payments for tolls, fines, and other obligations are billed to them. This registration practice meant Roney’s audit found no issues, even though the van was not legally Bowerman’s to sell. Asset Rental Group is now reviewing this practice.

The seller’s sentence and restitution claim

In June, Bowerman pleaded guilty to dishonestly acquiring a financial advantage. The court ordered him to pay $97 in costs, imposed a 12-month community correction order, and handed down a six-week suspended prison sentence. No restitution was sought at that time. After ABC News contacted police, law enforcement filed a restitution claim with the court. The hearing is scheduled for August 24.

Calls to regulate online marketplaces

Consumer Action Law Centre chief executive Stephanie Tonkin said the case shows why platforms such as Facebook Marketplace should be included in the federal government’s Scam Prevention Framework. Federal Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said additional sectors could be brought into scope where needed. Tonkin highlighted the risks of buying vehicles through online marketplaces without stronger protections for buyers.

Final Thoughts

Roney’s case exposes a gap in online marketplace protections. The restitution hearing on August 24 will determine whether Bowerman must repay her $10,000. Buyers should verify vehicle ownership directly with the relevant transport authority, not just check registration records.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.