A Totowa man has been accused of stealing thousands of dollars by pretending to be selling a vehicle.

Wayne police say Anthony Antoniello, 38, pretended to be selling a vehicle for $27,900. Officials say that when the victim gave Antoniello a check for that amount, he gave excuses as to why he could not deliver the vehicle or return the funds.

When police contacted Antoniello, he claimed he would return the funds, but repeatedly stalled. Police say that he eventually issued a check for $27,900 to the potential buyer – but they say that this check bounced.

Antoniello was eventually arrested near his home and charged with theft by deception and issuing bad checks.

Police say that Antoniello has been charged by other North Jersey law enforcement agencies for similar crimes. They say that anyone who may have been a victim of Antoniello should call Detective Michael Polifrone at 973-633-3537.