RCMP release:

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is asking for the public’s help after two men attempted to defraud a private vehicle owner who had listed their vehicle for sale online.

On November 30, at approximately 1:30 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report that a privately owned Toyota Tundra had been damaged after potential buyers attended the seller’s home for a test drive.

The seller had listed the Toyota for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

During the test drive with the seller, the vehicle began to smoke, despite having no prior mechanical issues. When the group returned to the seller’s home, the potential buyers made a low‑ball offer, due to the truck’s apparent condition.

The seller went inside to call a mechanic and was advised this was a known scam. When the seller returned outside, the two men quickly fled the area.

Doorbell camera footage showed that one man stood in front of the camera to block it, while the second man retrieved an item from their vehicle and walked toward the Toyota before banging sounds were heard. A different camera angle captured the man taking something out of his pocket and placing it underneath the front passenger and driver’s side wheels.

The men are described as being in their mid‑20s to early 30s. One man had a full beard with a moustache, a medium build, and a tiger‑head tattoo on his right hand. The second man had short black hair, a full beard, a stocky build, and a distinctive gap between his teeth. They were driving a dark‑coloured Audi Q7 with Quebec licence plate X139552.

Anyone with information about this incident, or who may recognize these men, is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902‑490‑5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll‑free at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.