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  Geebo 8:02 am on May 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: craigslist ( 129 ), Facebook Marketplace ( 62 ), Scams ( 1,354 ), used car ( 33 ), vin cloning   

  Below-market vehicle deals are a growing scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in scams involving the sale of stolen vehicles online. These fraudulent schemes often take place on popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. The common thread among these scams is the suspiciously low price tag on the vehicles, which is significantly below their actual market value.

  The scam operates in a deceptive yet sophisticated manner. Criminals acquire a stolen vehicle and then search for another car with the same make, model, and similar mileage. They use the legitimate vehicle’s details to create a counterfeit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) sticker, which is then applied to the stolen car. This fake VIN gives the vehicle a seemingly clean history, making it appear legitimate to unsuspecting buyers.

  Potential buyers are lured in by what they perceive to be an incredible deal. The vehicle’s history appears spotless, with no indication that it has been stolen. However, the reality of the situation becomes apparent only after the purchase is complete. Once the buyer discovers that the vehicle is stolen, they face the harsh truth that the car must be returned to its rightful owner or the insurance company. This leaves the buyer without the vehicle and out of the money they spent.

  The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has issued several warnings regarding this scam. According to the DFA, the largest red flag is the vehicle being sold for cash only at a price significantly lower than its actual value. Most recently, scammers have been targeting newer model pickup trucks, offering them for tens of thousands of dollars below retail value.

  The DFA advises buyers to exercise caution when searching for vehicles on these sites. Here are some key tips to avoid falling victim to this scam. Always verify the vehicle’s history through reliable sources. Be suspicious of any discrepancies or missing information. Legitimate sellers are usually open to various forms of payment. Insistence on cash transactions can be a red flag.

  Ensure the VIN on the vehicle matches the one on the title and other documents. Check for signs of tampering or replacement stickers. Consider using professional services to inspect the vehicle and verify its legitimacy before completing the purchase.

  By following these guidelines, buyers can better protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent activities. While online platforms offer the convenience of purchasing vehicles, they also present opportunities for scammers. Staying informed and cautious can help prevent unfortunate and costly mistakes.

  In summary, the public is urged to remain cautious when encountering seemingly fantastic deals on vehicles. Performing due diligence and recognizing the warning signs can save buyers from the pitfalls of this growing scam.

   

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  Geebo 8:01 am on August 29, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: curbstoning, Scams ( 1,354 ), stolen cars ( 10 ), used car ( 33 ), vin cloning   

  VIN cloning and curbstoning used car scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  It seems like nothing evokes the feeling of a scam more than buying a used car. Even when using a licensed car dealer, many used car buyers still feel like they’re being scammed in one way or another. Buying from a private seller seems even more fraught with scams these days. So, here are two used car scams you may want to be on the lookout for, as they’re happening in a large part of the country.

  The first scam we’re going to share today is one we’ve discussed before, and it’s called VIN cloning. This is when car thieves steal a car and replace the vehicle identification number (VIN) tags with VIN tags from a similar make and model.

  This scam recently happened to a man in Phoenix. He found a Ford Bronco Raptor for sale on Craigslist for $75,000. When the man went to buy the truck, it had Alaska license plates on it. He was told the truck had been driven to Phoenix from Alaska. The man checked the truck’s history and no red flags appeared. He was even able to get the truck registered and insured with no problem.

  It wasn’t until the man tried to trade in the truck at a dealership when a technician found a discrepancy in the VIN tags. The truck had been part of a massive car theft incident in Detroit, where numerous vehicles had been stolen from the Ford factory. Police took possession of the truck, which resulted in the man being out $75,000.

  Unfortunately, there was not much the man could have done to protect himself. He did all his due diligence, and still fell victim to a rather costly scam. The only thing we can recommend is to avoid buying cars through Craigslist.

  However, not many people can readily purchase a $75,000 truck. Many people just need a vehicle to take them to work or take their kids to school. And without a car, they may have no way of getting one. It’s difficult to do much of anything without a car in most of the country.

  Scammers are preying upon people like this by selling them mechanically failing cars in a process called ‘curbstoning’. Curbstoning takes place when an individual without a dealer license engages in selling vehicles, often utilizing social media advertisements as a medium, and deliberately hides any underlying mechanical problems. The most significant warning sign in this situation is that the seller avoids transferring the car’s ownership into their name before completing a sale.

  When someone has a desperate enough need for a vehicle, they may ignore any red flags that happen in a car sale like this. The danger is these cars could end up costing them more eventually due to mechanical failures or issues with registration and insurance.

  To safeguard yourself from curbstoning, it’s essential to ensure that the seller possesses the title, and the name listed on that document corresponds with the name on the seller’s driver’s license.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 18, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Scams ( 1,354 ), stolen cars ( 10 ), title loan, vin cloning   

  Can a scammer take a loan out on your car? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Not too long ago, we posted a story about how car thieves were cloning vehicle identification numbers (VIN) to put on stolen cars. The thieves would put the stolen VIN on a car of the same make and model before selling it to unsuspecting buyers. More recently, another scam has emerged that also uses VIN cloning, but doesn’t involve stolen cars.

  An elderly couple in Arizona were attempting to sell their truck so they could pay some medical bills. They listed the truck for sale online and found a legitimate buyer. When the couple and the buyer went to the DMV to transfer the title, they were hit with some unusual news. The title couldn’t be transferred because there was a $12,000 lien on the vehicle. The couple said that wasn’t possible since they owned the truck outright and hadn’t taken any loans out on it.

  What had happened is a scammer got a hold of the truck’s VIN, and used it to get the truck transferred to them. The scammer created a bill of sale and forged the truck owner’s name to it. Some of the documentation was even notarized. With the title now in their name, the alleged scammer was able to take the title to a title loan office and got a $4000 loan. As you might expect, the loan was never paid, which led to the $12,000 lien. The truck was even supposed to be repossessed, but the truck couldn’t be found since the scammer never actually had possession of the truck.

  Unfortunately, the couple are still trying to get the matter straightened out with their state’s DMV.

  So, the question remains, how can you protect yourself from this happening to you? The Arizona Department of Transportation recommends selling your vehicle to a dealership to prevent your personal information from getting out. You can also check your state’s DMV website to see if they can check the current status of your title. If they do, it may be worth checking on it every once in a while.