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What began as a routine weekend vehicle sale turned into a much different scenario at a Kia dealership in the Memphis area when a man tried to purchase two cars using a fraudulent ID linked to a deceased individual. To keep the suspect on the premises until law enforcement arrived, the dealership employees allowed him to complete the buying process, even recording a congratulatory video that was later shared on TikTok—shortly followed by footage of his arrest taking place on the showroom floor.
Memphis police reported that the man entered Gossett Kia on August 10 with the intention of buying two Kia Telluride SUVs. These weren’t your standard models; the two vehicles had a combined value of approximately $158,885. If someone is going to attempt a scam, they might as well aim high—choosing the luxurious Nappa leather over basic options.
The starting price for the base model, front-wheel drive 2024 Telluride LX, is $37,585 (including destination fees), while the premium all-wheel drive SXP X-Line begins at $53,780. Given the hefty price tag of over $79,000 for each Telluride, Gossett Kia likely added several dealer-installed accessories and packages, as the factory options at that price level are typically limited to floor mats, mudguards, and color choices for that upscale Nappa leather.
It remains unclear when the sales team recognized that something was amiss, but after alerting the authorities, they proceeded to let the suspect believe he was genuinely purchasing the Tellurides. A now-viral TikTok shows the man being celebrated and praised as a new Kia owner. However, the situation quickly shifted as police arrived on the scene. “Wait a minute, what’s going on here?” he is heard saying as he is being placed in handcuffs.
The unlucky scammer now faces charges of “Forgery $60,000-$250,000” and “Attempted Theft of Property $60,000-$250,000.” Additionally, if he hopes to post the $50,000 bail to secure his release from jail, he will need a genuine ID and perhaps a ride home.
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