It has been shown that one out of three used cars has something to hide. That could be outstanding credit, odometer rollback, etc.. That is why car dealer fraud cases are amongst the most common issues.
Vehicle cloning is a used car fraud that has become rather widespread today. To avoid being a victim of such a auto scam, follow our tips given below.
1. Registration papers: The registration papers give you some initial information about the vehicle. Make sure the license plate on the car matches the number on the registration papers. Make sure the owner’s name matches the seller’s – and ask for a picture ID.
2. Maintenance records: Other papers that you should inspect very carefully are the maintenance records, which are not only a good way to see if the car was stolen (thieves never have the maintenance records), but also give you a hint of how well the car has been taken care of.
3. Vehicle identification number: Check the VIN which should match the number on the title and registration. The VIN is located on the driver’s side above the dashboard, inside the driver door and under the hood. Look for any signs that may indicate tempering with these numbers. If the windshield contains any slight damages, there is a strong possibility that the VIN has been replaced. If so, the car is probably stolen.
4. Insurance: Ask to see the insurance papers and check that everything matches. If the vehicle is uninsured, it might be stolen or have other problems. If the dealer cannot provide insurance papers, this is probably not a car to buy. If they do provide the papers, call the insurance agent for verification.
