Edmonton police are asking for more possible complainants after a 39-year-old man was charged in an alleged odometer scheme tied to used vehicles sold through Facebook Marketplace. The case centers on claims that the odometer on several vehicles was rolled back by hundreds of thousands of kilometres, pushing buyers to pay inflated prices. Police say the first complaint arrived on March 13, after a buyer noticed the vehicle’s reading appeared altered.
How the alleged scheme worked
Investigators believe the accused began buying high-mileage vehicles in March 2025, then changed the readings and resold them at significantly higher prices through a false Facebook account. Police say the vehicles were also sold under fake names, and in some cases the paperwork presented to buyers was forged.
The vehicles linked to the investigation were mainly Nissan Altima cars, Honda Accord cars, and Honda CR-V SUVs. Police say the accused is alleged to have used false CARFAX reports as part of the sales pitch, presenting them as proof that the odometer showed lower mileage than it really did.
Police identify suspect and seek more victims
Police have arrested and charged Harmandeep Singh Bindra, 39, with fraud and uttering a forged document. Investigators say he may also use the names Hary Smith, Harry Singh, Harmandeep Singh, and Gurdev.
To date, police say they have identified at least two complainants, but they believe there may be more people who bought vehicles under similar circumstances. The case remains active as officers continue to review possible links between the reported sales and the altered odometer readings.
What police are telling buyers
Const. Amelia Towns of EPS southwest patrol branch urged people to do careful research before making a major purchase. “When you are making a significant purchase like a vehicle, it is always a good idea to do your research first, ” Towns said. She added that a CARFAX report can show service history and collisions, and said the cost of that check may help buyers avoid being scammed.
Police are also warning private buyers not to rely only on paperwork handed over at the point of sale. In this case, investigators say some documents may have been false, which is why they are telling buyers to obtain the paperwork themselves and confirm the vehicle history independently.
Background on the complaint
The case began after a complaint on March 13 from a buyer who had purchased a vehicle through Facebook Marketplace and later learned the odometer appeared to have been altered. Police say that discovery led to the wider investigation.
That initial report has now turned into a broader search for additional victims, with investigators releasing Bindra’s photo to help others recognize the suspect and come forward.
What happens next
Edmonton police say anyone who believes they may have been victimized should contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online. As the investigation continues, officers say they want to hear from anyone who believes an odometer reading was altered before a vehicle sale.
