Video

Dealership donates minivan to couple scammed in Craigslist used car deal

A Michigan couple who were swindled out of a new minivan by a Craigslist scammer got a happy ending this week in the form of a replacement, free of charge, from a local car dealership.

The Rakowskis live on a fixed income and Mark Rakowski suffers from poor health. They saved money for three years to come up with the $2,500 needed to buy a used vehicle large enough to accommodate Mark's breathing equipment. A 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan on Craigslist with just over 100,000 miles caught their eye. The seller gave them a copy of the title and disappeared with their money. When it came time to register the vehicle, the Michigan Secretary of State had some bad news for them.

Their new car was reported stolen in January. Police seized the vehicle and the Rakowskis were left without a means of transportation and without their nest egg.

A local dealership saw their story and offered the Rakowskis a minivan to replace the one that was seized. Doug White and Ken Miller of Rightway Automotive dropped off a red 2007 Chrysler Town & Country at the Rakowskis' home on friday.

"I want to thank you for what you've done for us. I really appreciate it," Mark Rakowski told White and Miller.

Dearborn Police are investigating the man who scammed the couple out of their money.

Share This Photo X