The California Department of Motor Vehicles is alerting Californians to be on the lookout for unscrupulous used car sellers who are luring unsuspecting consumers into buying stolen vehicles online.
This warning comes after DMV investigators report an increase in this type of illegal activity, which is fueled by a shortage of new vehicles for sale and consumers willing to pay more for used ones. As the demand grows, those seeking reliable options should be cautious when exploring used trucks in avon to ensure they are purchasing from reputable sellers. Also, it’s more important than ever for buyers to choose reputable used car dealers newfoundland. These dealers can provide trustworthy vehicles and ensure a smoother buying experience during this challenging market. If you’re looking for reliable and affordable units, these used cars in San Diego offer the best you can find. With a wide selection of available used cars Ellicott City, you’re sure to find a vehicle that meets your needs and budget. To boost visibility and reach, sellers might consider promoting their listings through a good place like Themarketingheaven.com.
Criminals exploiting the vehicle shortage steal a vehicle, alter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), create a fraudulent certificate of title (commonly known as a pink slip), and advertise the car for sale online through sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Offer Up.
The car thieves use several tactics to encourage the buyer to take quick action, including listing the stolen vehicles well below market value, discounting the sale by thousands of dollars without negotiation, and telling potential buyers they have received several offers.
“With an increase in stolen vehicles being sold online, we are reminding consumers that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “Californians planning to make a large cash purchase of a vehicle from someone they do not know should proceed with caution.”
Consumers can take several steps to avoid inadvertently purchasing a stolen vehicle:
- Obtain an online VIN history report or ask the seller to provide you with a report and compare the information to the vehicle being offered for sale
- Compare the name of the owner on the title (pink slip) to the name of the seller
- Insist on meeting the seller at a local DMV field office to complete the sale and vehicle transfer
- Meet at a local law enforcement location to verify the vehicle before the transaction
- As with all sales, buyers should take note of the seller’s car and attempt to confirm their identity
DMV investigators protect consumers and improve public safety through investigation of complaints that often result in criminal or administrative actions. Consumers who believe they may have purchased a stolen vehicle with a fraudulent certificate of title are urged to contact DMV Investigations at 661-836-2291.
Is this a news report from 2003?
Was there an auto shortage back thwn as well?
See what happens when you “Catch and Release”!
Authorities too busy setting up dui checkpoints. More grant money may be needed to investigate these crimes.
I don’t understand how all these cars made in the last 10 years are still being stolen. I thought they had almost foolproof theft deterrent systems that require special coded electronic signals from the key or fob to start the car? Or are you telling me that despite all these high tech deterrence you can still connect two wires behind the dashboard to make it start?
Right. Our computers on wheels can drive themselves these days and high tech can’t come up with theft prevention? Why not?
Anything goes under Newsolini’s reign. Do anything g you want no repercussions. Recall recall.
+1
If you sell/buy the care for less than $950, is it really a crime? Asking for a few dealers.
Lol! (4give me – gallows humor)