Swansea Police investigating fraud scheme, charge wanted owner of used car business

SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley reports that the Swansea Police Department has charged the owner of a used car business in connection with an ongoing investigation into a fraud scheme.

Swansea Police have obtained multiple arrest warrants for 46-year-old Edward Cicciu of Attleboro, on fraud-related charges. Cicciu is currently wanted by police at this time.

Since May, Swansea Police have had about 25 people report that they were defrauded by Bristol County Auto Exchange at 2388 Grand Army of the Republic Highway.

Through an extensive investigation, Swansea Police determined that Cicciu receives cars on loan from a local auction but does not receive the titles for the vehicles until he pays the auction in full. The vehicles are then put up for sale at Bristol County Auto Exchange. Cicciu allegedly completes a sale, takes the payment, attaches fake or forged license plates and promises that a title and registration will be mailed to the purchaser.

Cicciu then allegedly stops responding to the victims and never pays the auction for the vehicle. The purchasers never receive the titles and cannot register the vehicles. Because the auction company still owns the victims’ vehicles, they are in the process of repossessing them.

“The Swansea Police Department takes any allegations of fraud very seriously,” Chief Foley said. “This has been an extensive investigation that underscores our commitment to protecting consumers from dishonest practices. We urge anyone who believes they may have been affected to come forward.”

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the fraud scheme should contact Swansea Police Officer Officer Donald Dibiasio at 508-674-8464.

All of the cases reported to Swansea Police remain under active investigation.