The Taillight Scam

Thomas Wolter of Renton knows what it feels like to be taken for a ride.

Wolter said two young men drove up to look at his 1987 Toyota Supra, which he had for sale. Wolter and one of the men went for a test drive, while the other man stayed behind in his vehicle.

About a block away from Wolter's house, the driver stopped and said he wanted to check the lights. Wolter was asked to get out and see if they worked while the man operated the switches. Halfway through the testing, the engine revved up and the $15,000 car pealed out, leaving behind a dazed Wolter with only the police to talk to.

"You sit there with your mouth open for 10 seconds wondering what's going on," Wolter said.

The car never returned.

By the time he walked home, the other man was gone, too.