Christopher Asher is seen in a video screen grab from his arrest last week in Fresno. Photos via Fresno Sheriff's Office

A fraudulent Fresno auto broker was arrested last week on allegations of stealing a car while pretending to operate a legitimate business.

Christopher Asher, 56, was arrested at his Fresno home on March 30, accused of scamming a Huntington Beach car dealer. The Fresno Sheriff’s Office is seeking other possible victims.

Detectives with the Fresno H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) task force said the investigation began in August 2022 after learning the car dealer was searching for one of its vehicles in the Fresno area that was reported stolen.

 

Detectives said they determined the Huntington Beach dealer originally sold the vehicle for $58,000 to Asher, who presented himself as the general manager of Artanis Automotive at 5494 E. Lamona Ave. in Fresno, according to a sheriff’s news release.

Since Asher’s operation had a valid licensed dealer number, the Huntington Beach business finalized the transaction by sending the vehicle to Fresno. The check Asher sent to Huntington Beach bounced, detectives said.

 

Authorities eventually found the vehicle and contacted the driver, who explained he bought the car from Asher after giving him a down payment of $12,000, detectives said. Asher allegedly helped the buyer finance the remaining amount through a company called Anchored Finance. Detectives said they determined that the buyer and the finance company were victims of a scam constructed by Asher.

As a convicted felon, Asher was not eligible to have a car dealer/broker license, according to detectives, who said he was able to get a license by forging documents and using the personal information of an acquaintance with a clean record.

Detectives said they located additional victims who were scammed. They believe there may be more out there.

Asher’s bail was set at $117,000. He was no longer in custody as of Tuesday, according to a search of Fresno County Jail inmate records.

If you or someone you know are potential victims, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or valleycrimestoppers.org. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference HEAT / CHP case number F146-412-23.