Used car fraud becomes more and more prevalent. Vehicle cloning is one of those wide-spread scams. Here is how it works. Thieves steal a car, usually a high-end “desirable” car or SUV. Then they take the vehicle identification number or VIN from a similar car and slap it on the stolen car. Because each VIN is unique like a fingerprint, the stolen vehicle becomes a clone of a legitimate vehicle. Add some fake papers, and the thieves are ready to sell you a vehicle that looks perfectly legal.
When the police come knocking on your door, you have no legal recourse – you have to hand over the stolen property. Statistics show that such stories are happening to more and more people ever year.
But you can avoid being a victim of such an auto scam. Here are some tips to protect you from ending up the proud owner of a stolen car.
1. Low sale price: If the car seller is asking a extremely low price for the vehicle, inquire why. Smart buyers typically research car prices online before purchasing. To check current car values simply search for a similar vehicle on a popular car classified website. If the price asked for the vehicle is significantly lower, be suspicious as the car could be stolen. The thief may be asking the lowest possible price to rid them of the vehicle quickly.
2. Phone number: Always ask for the car seller’s landline before your first meeting. While cell phones are rather convenient and increasingly common, it will be rather difficult to trace if the need arises. If the seller refuses or states that they only have a cell phone approach with caution. Be extra watchful in your dealings with this person since it will be very difficult to find them if they suddenly disappear.
3. Registration address: Ask to view the car in the daytime at the address listed in the registration papers. If the seller refuses and instead asks to meet in a public place, make sure there is a valid reason. Even if the seller gives a good reason there is still a higher probability that the vehicle is stolen. If you still feel the seller is legitimate and the car is not stolen be aware that he/she could be hiding something serious about the car.
4. Inspection: Why view the car in the daytime? So that you can inspect the whole car very carefully. Look for any signs that people tampered with locks. Replacement locks are a giveaway. Check hidden places in the vehicle to see if the paint color has been changed, which might also disguise a stolen car.
Take these steps and protect yourself from used car fraud.
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