East Lyme Limo Scam: Fake Service Targets Resident, Police Warn

Police in East Lyme, Connecticut, want folks to be extra careful when answering online ads. This comes after a fake limousine service left a local resident stranded and frustrated.

The trouble started when someone prepaid for an airport ride through a Facebook ad. The limo never showed up, and the customer couldn’t get their money back.

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After talking with police, the victim helped uncover a scam that stretched into other towns, like Norwich, New London, Groton, and Waterford.

Fake Limousine Service Targets Connecticut Residents

The whole thing kicked off when an East Lyme resident thought they’d booked a legit airport ride from a Facebook ad. They paid upfront, but when the day came, no car arrived.

When the refund never materialized, the resident reached out to law enforcement. That’s when the bigger picture started to emerge—multiple towns had fallen victim to the same scheme.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

Police say 25-year-old Mitch Kloter from Coventry ran the operation. He called his business “Eastern Transportation and Rentals,” but he didn’t have any permits or licenses.

Kloter now faces charges for telephone fraud and operating a livery service without a permit. After his arrest, he posted bond and walked free for now, waiting on his next court date.

East Lyme police say they’re determined to keep scams like this from spreading in their communities.

Multiple Complaints Across the State

Turns out, this wasn’t a one-off. People in towns like Hartford, Manchester, Stamford, and Bridgeport had similar stories.

Some paid for rides that never happened. Others said drivers showed up and demanded extra cash.

Better Business Bureau Issues Consumer Alert

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) stepped in with a warning about Eastern Transportation and Rentals. Over July and August, more than ten complaints rolled in.

Stories sounded all too familiar—customers lost hundreds of dollars and had nowhere to turn. The BBB checked and found the company wasn’t even registered with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.

How to Protect Yourself from Transportation Scams

Scammy transportation services can be tricky to spot, especially when ads look convincing on social media. If you live in East Lyme, Norwich, Groton, Waterford, Stamford, or Bridgeport, it’s smart to stay alert.

Key Safety Tips for Consumers

Before you book any limo or airport shuttle, keep these tips in mind:

Verify Licensing: Check with the Connecticut Department of Transportation or Secretary of the State to make sure the business is real and permitted.
Research the Company: Read reviews on trusted sites or check with the BBB for any red flags.
Avoid Paying in Full Upfront: Most legit companies only ask for a deposit or want payment after the service.
Request Written Contracts: Get all the details—price, date, driver info—in writing before you pay.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Credit cards offer fraud protection, while cash and direct transfers do not.

Community Response and Law Enforcement Action

East Lyme police say they’re serious about catching scammers and making sure they face consequences. Neighboring towns like Groton, Norwich, and New London are spreading the word with local bulletins.

It feels like a united front. Maybe that’ll make would-be scammers think twice before trying this again.

Staying Informed Helps Prevent Fraud

Residents across Connecticut really need to stay alert, especially when unknown businesses reach out online. The case with Eastern Transportation and Rentals is a good example—sure, social media makes things easy, but it can also open the door for scammers.

Verifying a business before you hand over any money might seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Staying informed protects your wallet and, honestly, your peace of mind.

Right now, police in East Lyme, Coventry, Groton, and nearby towns are working together on this investigation. That kind of teamwork feels like the best shot at keeping these scams in check—at least, that’s what local officials are hoping for.

Here is the source article for this story: Fake Limo Service Scams East Lyme Resident, Police Say

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