Difference between revisions of "Check if a Car Is Stolen"
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#*the front of the engine block | #*the front of the engine block | ||
#*underneath the spare tire | #*underneath the spare tire | ||
| − | #Check that the VIN hasn’t been tampered with.<ref>http://www.txdmv.gov/how-do-i-motorists/avoid-buying-a-stolen-vehicle</ref> The entire VIN label should be securely fastened to the vehicle without any loose corners. Also check for scratches, tears, or gouge marks. | + | #Check that the VIN hasn’t been tampered with.<ref name="rf1">http://www.txdmv.gov/how-do-i-motorists/avoid-buying-a-stolen-vehicle</ref> The entire VIN label should be securely fastened to the vehicle without any loose corners. Also check for scratches, tears, or gouge marks. |
| − | #*Also run your fingers over the VIN label. It should be smooth to the touch.<ref>https://www.nicbtraining.org/documents/vehicle_id_insp_guide_010611.pdf</ref> If it is scratchy, then it may have been tampered with. | + | #*Also run your fingers over the VIN label. It should be smooth to the touch.<ref name="rf2">https://www.nicbtraining.org/documents/vehicle_id_insp_guide_010611.pdf</ref> If it is scratchy, then it may have been tampered with. |
#*The VIN label should not be obscured with a screw or plug. If so, the owner might be trying to hide the VIN. | #*The VIN label should not be obscured with a screw or plug. If so, the owner might be trying to hide the VIN. | ||
| − | #Search the VINCheck website. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has a VINCheck database which collects the VINs for vehicles reported as stolen.<ref>https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck</ref> Enter the VIN at the NICB website. You can perform five searches within 24 hours. | + | #Search the VINCheck website. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has a VINCheck database which collects the VINs for vehicles reported as stolen.<ref name="rf3">https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck</ref> Enter the VIN at the NICB website. You can perform five searches within 24 hours. |
| − | #Report fraud. If the vehicle has been stolen, call the police and report the vehicle. In the U.S., you should call the NICB at 800-835-6422 or submit an anonymous tip to TIP411.<ref>http://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history/vin-fraud.php</ref> | + | #Report fraud. If the vehicle has been stolen, call the police and report the vehicle. In the U.S., you should call the NICB at 800-835-6422 or submit an anonymous tip to TIP411.<ref name="rf4">http://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history/vin-fraud.php</ref> |
#*You can also call your local police. Share as many details about the seller as you can: name, address, and appearance. | #*You can also call your local police. Share as many details about the seller as you can: name, address, and appearance. | ||
===Using Other Methods=== | ===Using Other Methods=== | ||
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#Be careful of cars advertised online or in the newspaper.<Ref>https://www.nicb.org/newsroom/news-releases/stolen-vehicle-clones</ref> Although many legitimate sales occur this way, most stolen vehicles are also advertised online or in the newspaper. It’s always better to buy from a reputable dealer or from someone you know personally. | #Be careful of cars advertised online or in the newspaper.<Ref>https://www.nicb.org/newsroom/news-releases/stolen-vehicle-clones</ref> Although many legitimate sales occur this way, most stolen vehicles are also advertised online or in the newspaper. It’s always better to buy from a reputable dealer or from someone you know personally. | ||
#*Check a dealer’s reputation at the Better Business Bureau website. | #*Check a dealer’s reputation at the Better Business Bureau website. | ||
| − | #Demand a bill of sale. You want some sort of document that establishes you bought the car. If the seller hesitates to give this to you, then you should walk away. Typically, you’ll want a bill of sale, which should include the following information:<ref>http://www.dmv.org/images/bill-of-sale.pdf</ref> | + | #Demand a bill of sale. You want some sort of document that establishes you bought the car. If the seller hesitates to give this to you, then you should walk away. Typically, you’ll want a bill of sale, which should include the following information:<ref name="rf5">http://www.dmv.org/images/bill-of-sale.pdf</ref> |
#*car’s make, model, and year | #*car’s make, model, and year | ||
#*VIN | #*VIN | ||
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#*amount of the sale | #*amount of the sale | ||
#*seller’s signature and date | #*seller’s signature and date | ||
| − | #Be wary of any deal that is too good to be true.<ref | + | #Be wary of any deal that is too good to be true.<ref name="rf1" /> If you’re shocked at what a great deal you’re getting, then chances are something is amiss. Ask questions about why the seller is trying to sell the vehicle so cheaply. If the story doesn’t add up, then walk away. |
==Sources and Citations== | ==Sources and Citations== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{WikiHow}} | {{WikiHow}} | ||
