Contrary to what some my think, not all “hot” vehicles have been wrecked or taken to an underground chop shop to be parted out. Cleaver car thieves figured out that they can change the odometer to show very little mileage and sell the stolen vehicle in either local newspapers or on a classifieds ads website for an extremely low price. Although it’s become harder to commit vehicle fraud in newspapers, the online vehicle sales fraud continues to rise.

 

In most cases, the seller will ask for cash, and tell you he’s doing it that way to help you. He will tell you because you’re paying cash, instead of putting the sales price as $5,000, he will write you bought it for $500…this way, you only pay taxes on the $500. This sneaky trick can be very appealing to some, and cause them to lose track of the fact they’re handing over $5,000 cash to a stranger.

 

If you’re the victim, and the cops or owner find the vehicle…well, you’re out of luck pal.

 

Here’s how to avoid getting ripped off…

 

Steps:

 

1. The first things you need to ask yourself is…

 

a. Why is the vehicle is selling so cheap?

b. Has it been in a wreck

c. Does it have flood-damage?

d. Has someone tampered with the odometer?

e. Are there any reasons that lead you to believe the vehicle was stolen?

 

2. Do your research – get the seller’s name, number, and home address. Take the information and check it with the information on the vehicle’s title and registration to make sure they match up correctly.

 

3. If the vehicle is financed, verify who financed the vehicle and who insured it.

 

4. Take down the VIN number (vehicle identification number). You can find this on the dash on the driver’s side by looking in the front window, it is also located on the sellers insurance card, and on the driver’s side door jam. Check for anything suspicious with the VIN tags. Have they been tampered with? Are they all scratched up or bent out of shape? It may look silly, but I recommend you use a magnifying glass if something looks fishy.

 

5. Make sure the VIN number on the vehicle matches the VIN number on the vehicle’s title.

 

6. A fresh paint job isn’t always a good thing. While some sellers will have their vehicle painted to increase its chances of getting sold, new paint could also indicate stolen parts were used and they had to paint the vehicle to make sure they all match. Or they could be hiding the color of the original paint from the stolen vehicle.

 

7. Bring the title to the Department of Motor Vehicles and have them run a history on the title. If by chance you see an insurance company is listed as one of the vehicles owners, the vehicle was probably totaled, and you should walk away.

 

If it sounds too good to be true…well, it probably is.

 

Remember, if you buy a stolen car, you risk having to make the payments even if it’s taken away from you. You could also be charged with possession of stolen property. If you think a vehicle is stolen, call the police and let them know.

Got Engines Inc. specializes in new, rebuilt, and used engines.