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Miami Gardens Today
By the People, for the People
Miami Woman Arrested in Alleged $101K Tesla Fraud Scheme
Authorities say the 24-year-old suspect used a fake ID and shell company to try to purchase a luxury Tesla SUV.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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A 24-year-old woman from Rosemead, California was arrested at a Miami Gardens Tesla dealership after allegedly attempting to purchase a $101,000 Tesla Model X using a fake Florida driver's license and fraudulent financial documents. Police say the suspect, Chuting Chen, admitted to being part of a larger fraud ring and had dozens of vehicle titles and certificates of origin in her possession that were intended for fraudulent vehicle registrations and potential international shipments.
Why it matters
This case highlights growing concerns about auto-finance fraud in South Florida, where suspects use fake IDs, sham companies, and rapid purchases to obtain loans before their credit profiles are updated. Dealerships and lenders have been urged to tighten verification procedures after a string of similar arrests in the region.
The details
According to police, Chen went to the Miami Gardens Tesla dealership and tried to purchase a Model X SUV worth over $101,000 using a fraudulent Florida driver's license and a cashier's check from a Montana-based business she claimed to own. Tesla loss-prevention staff alerted authorities after determining the identification and paperwork were suspicious. Police say Chen admitted to buying the fake ID online for $100, opening a Las Vegas bank account, and wiring over $38,000 as a down payment. Investigators recovered 32 California vehicle titles and 46 vehicle certificates of origin that they believe were intended for fraudulent vehicle registrations and potential international shipments.
- On February 10, 2026, Chen allegedly attempted to purchase the Tesla Model X at the Miami Gardens dealership.
The players
Chuting Chen
A 24-year-old woman from Rosemead, California who was arrested for allegedly attempting to purchase a $101,000 Tesla Model X using a fake Florida driver's license and fraudulent financial documents.
Miami Gardens Police Department
The law enforcement agency that arrested Chen and is continuing the investigation into the alleged fraud scheme.
Tesla
The automaker whose Miami Gardens delivery and service center was the site of the alleged attempted fraudulent purchase.
What’s next
Investigators say the probe could expand as they trace the recovered vehicle titles and certificates of origin. Chen will be presented to prosecutors for charging decisions and a judge for a bond hearing.
The takeaway
This case underscores the growing problem of auto-finance fraud in South Florida, where criminals use sophisticated methods like fake IDs and sham companies to obtain loans and potentially ship vehicles overseas. It highlights the need for dealerships and lenders to strengthen verification procedures to combat these types of fraud schemes.
