The sneaky trick thieves are using to steal cars in Australia is uncovered after a $42,500 Volkswagen was jacked from under its owner's nose

Volkswagen owner attempted to sell his vehicle on Carsales.com.au
Owen Castley from Melbourne, Australia listed his Golf R7 for $42,500
Thief posed as a buyer and took the vehicle for a test drive before speeding off
Police say this is the second time the scam has been used in recent weeks

By Tom Sargeant For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 01:50 BST, 25 June 2021 | Updated: 01:52 BST, 25 June 2021

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Thieves posing as prospective car buyers are speeding off with vehicles during test drives.

Owen Castley from Melbourne, Australia was trying to sell his Volkswagen Golf R7 on Carsales.com.au.

Mr Castley listed the vehicle for $42,500 and before long had a buyer ready to take the vehicle for a test drive.

But the moment the man sat in the driver's seat he hit the accelerator and sped off down the road.

Mr Castley was 'half in, half out' at the time and was thrown backwards as the cunning thief made his getaway.

Owen Castley (pictured) was the latest victim of the scam and was caught off guard while getting into the passenger seat

Police believe this is the second time the scam has been used in recent weeks, with another Volkswagen stolen in Melbourne last month.

'I couldn't believe it, you hear stories but you never think it's going to happen to you,' Mr Castley told 7news.

'He took off, I was half in, half out of the car and it kind of threw me backwards a little bit,' Mr Castley said.

'It was all a bit of a blur, to be honest.'

Melbourne thief's are targeting Carsales listings (pictured above) posing as potential buyers before agreeing to a test drive and fleeing with the vehicle

The thief was of Asian appearance and had distinctive eczema on his hands.

Police are now searching for the man who they believe can assist with their enquiries.