If it seems too good to be true, do your research. That’s the advice from the Department of Motor Vehicles to Californians when it comes to buying a used car online.
“We have seen an uptick in Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, those kinds of sales, where these cars are being offered at low cost to entice people to be interested in them,” DMV Spokesperson Anita Gore said.
The consumer warning comes as car buyers are moving to used cars, due to a shortage of new vehicles for sale, according to the DMV. In many cases of the stolen and flipped vehicles, the DMV said criminals will change the Vehicle Identification Number and create a fraudulent certificate of title before advertising it online.
“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...and telling potential buyers they have [already] received several offers [on the vehicle],” the DMV said in a statement.
The best thing you can do if you find your dream car from a private seller online is get investigative.
“There is online VIN history...reports available..if you Google that you’ll find there are several companies that offer that kind of service,” Gore said. “We would suggest you do that. Actually look at the title, look at the person’s [license], make sure that the names match.”
After all that if you still have doubts, the DMV suggests offering to meet and make the sale in a public place -- like a local DMV or police station. If someone is selling a hot car, they likely won’t want to be anywhere near those locations and you’ll know it’s best to pass on the purchase.
More tips:
-Obtain an online VIN history report or ask the seller to provide one to compare with the vehicle offered for sale
-Compare the name of the owner on the title to the name of the seller
-Insist on meeting at a DMV office to complete sale and transfer
-Meet at a local law enforcement location to verify vehicle before sale
If you believe you’ve already been a victim of this kind of crime, contact DMV Investigations at (661) 836-2291.
Related
