Fake mechanic who tricked female drivers indicted in Hungary

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Prosecutors in Hungary say they have indicted a fake mechanic who defrauded 29 female drivers by taking money to fix their cars' nonexistent problems.

Budapest Chief Prosecutor Tibor Ibolya said Wednesday in a statement that the man, who was not identified, warned women alone in their cars about false glitches like oil leaks or sparks coming out of the muffler. The man would say he was a mechanic and that the problem needed to be fixed immediately and typically ask for 15,000-20,000 forints ($53-$70) to buy the necessary parts or supplies at a nearby shop or gas station.

To ease suspicions, he asked victims to watch his bag until he returned, but he never did.

The frauds committed between July 2011 and May 2013 totaled nearly 500,000 forints ($1,775).