An Adelaide man has been arrested for allegedly stealing a three-wheeled scooter after giving the owner an envelope containing fake money and "bits of paper".
Police say the owner, 27-year-old Rita Majid, had advertised the black Yamaha moped on Facebook Marketplace.
A man arrived at Ms Majid's Klemzig address to buy it about 9:30pm yesterday and allegedly gave the owner an envelope which he said contained the cash for it.
Before the owner could check the envelope, the alleged thief drove off with the 125cc scooter.
Senior Constable Mick Abbott said the envelope contained "a fake $50 note and lots of bits of paper".
"It was a bit of a ruse, I suppose," he said.
"Before they could open the envelope, they've taken off.
"They've obviously handed over the keys and taken off in the scooter."
About 1:30am, police spotted a man riding the scooter in Pooraka but they say he dumped it at a shopping centre on Kings Road, Parafield.
Police chased the suspect and arrested a 29-year-old Ridgehaven man, who was later charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle and driving while disqualified.
"A bit of a lesson learnt for the owner of the scooter," Senior Constable Abbott said.
The scooter has now been returned to Ms Majid, who says the incident has left her feeling scared.
"I was really shocked," she said.
"Before I felt so safe but now I feel so scared.
"Don't let anyone have a test drive without giving their licence copy.
"Next time whenever I sell on Gumtree or Marketplace, I will be very cautious."
