Los Angeles Teen Loses $58,000 in College Savings After Car Repossession
Seventeen-year-old Arrod Berjis bought a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG for $58,000, but the vehicle was repossessed by Carvana months later due to a title error and suspected fraud.
By Hassan Lawson ·
Los Angeles high school senior Arrod Berjis lost $58,000 in college savings after a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG he purchased was repossessed three months after the sale.
Berjis found the vehicle listed on Autotrader and bought it at a price below market value. He intended to repair the car, drive it, and eventually sell it to fund his higher education. Before paying the seller, Berjis visited the Department of Motor Vehicles with the seller to verify the title. A DMV clerk confirmed multiple times that no lien existed on the vehicle. Berjis also reviewed a Carfax report that showed no lien holder. He completed the purchase and spent three months repairing the car. A buyer was ready to purchase the vehicle for $75,000 the following day.
On the night before the planned sale, Berjis discovered the car was gone. He contacted the Los Angeles Police Department, believing the vehicle had been stolen. Police directed him to a towing company, where he learned Carvana had repossessed the car. The towing company stated they were ordered to take the vehicle by Carvana. When Berjis returned to the DMV for answers, the agency took his original title. A clerk explained that the title could be void due to overlooked paperwork during the transfer, a mistake or potential fraud.
The DMV stated it could not comment because the matter is an open investigation. Carvana had not responded to requests for comment. The LAPD is investigating, but Berjis said the seller's identity and documents were fake, limiting the scope of the inquiry. Berjis said his goal is for Carvana to return the vehicle or pay him the $58,000 he spent.
Berjis said the money represented four years of high school savings intended for college. He noted that the loss will likely delay his enrollment. "I feel like I've lost all hope. I've went down every avenue trying to solve this problem," Berjis said. He added that he followed all correct procedures and went to the DMV as advised.
Vehicle buyers are recommended to obtain at least one history report to check a vehicle's record. Experts suggest getting more than one report is better. Buyers should also visit the DMV to ensure the title has not been washed of any liens or salvage designations.
Source: KABC-TV
