Difference between revisions of "Check if a Car Is Stolen"
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Performing a VIN Check=== | ===Performing a VIN Check=== | ||
| − | #Find the vehicle identification number (VIN). Every car has a VIN, which you should check so that you can perform a search. The VIN is made up of 17 characters and is like the car’s Social Security Number. Don’t just accept whatever VIN the seller gives you. Instead, thoroughly inspect the vehicle yourself to find the VIN.< | + | #Find the vehicle identification number (VIN). Every car has a VIN, which you should check so that you can perform a search. The VIN is made up of 17 characters and is like the car’s Social Security Number. Don’t just accept whatever VIN the seller gives you. Instead, thoroughly inspect the vehicle yourself to find the VIN.<ref name="rf1">http://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history/vin-fraud.php</ref> You can find the VIN in the following places:<ref name="rf2">http://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history/find-vin.php</ref> |
#*lower-left corner of the dashboard in front of the steering wheel | #*lower-left corner of the dashboard in front of the steering wheel | ||
#*inside the driver-side doorjamb | #*inside the driver-side doorjamb | ||
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#*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=== | ||
| − | #Contact your insurer. Your insurer has their own database which you can ask them to check for possible clones.< | + | #Contact your insurer. Your insurer has their own database which you can ask them to check for possible clones.<ref name="rf1" /> Car cloning occurs when the thief pries the VIN plate off the stolen car and replaces it with a different one. The new VIN is often stolen from another car.<ref name="rf3">http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/People-Sell-Stolen-Cars-Through-Car-Cloning-Detectives-379743191.html</ref> |
| − | #Perform a title search.< | + | #Perform a title search.<ref name="rf1" /> You can perform a title search by contacting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent office and provide the car’s VIN. The report should list whether the car was ever salvaged or declared as a total loss by an insurance company.<ref name="rf4">http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy</ref> |
#*It costs money to run a title search, so contact the DMV ahead of time to check the price and acceptable methods of payment. | #*It costs money to run a title search, so contact the DMV ahead of time to check the price and acceptable methods of payment. | ||
| − | #*Make sure the seller’s information matches the information on the title.< | + | #*Make sure the seller’s information matches the information on the title.<ref name="rf5">http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170328005175/en/GEICO-Consumer-Fraud-Alert-5-Tips-Car</ref> If there’s a discrepancy, then the car was probably stolen. |
| − | #Ask your mechanic to inspect the vehicle. Your mechanic might be able to spot that the VIN has been tampered with.< | + | #Ask your mechanic to inspect the vehicle. Your mechanic might be able to spot that the VIN has been tampered with.<ref name="rf5" /> Furthermore, your mechanic can check the overall condition of the car so that you aren’t buying a clunker. Don’t buy a used car without having your mechanic look at it. |
#Review the car’s service records. The car’s VIN should also appear on service records, which the owner might share with you. Make sure the VIN on the service records matches the VIN on the car. If not, then the car has probably been stolen. | #Review the car’s service records. The car’s VIN should also appear on service records, which the owner might share with you. Make sure the VIN on the service records matches the VIN on the car. If not, then the car has probably been stolen. | ||
| − | #*Of course, the car’s owner might fudge service records to hide the fact that the car has been stolen. Accordingly, you might want to order your own copy of the service records through Carfax or AutoCheck for under $100. You’ll need the VIN.< | + | #*Of course, the car’s owner might fudge service records to hide the fact that the car has been stolen. Accordingly, you might want to order your own copy of the service records through Carfax or AutoCheck for under $100. You’ll need the VIN.<ref name="rf6">https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/which-vehicle-history-report-is-right-for-you.html</ref> When you get the reports, compare the description of the car in the service reports with the car you want to buy. |
===Identifying Red Flags=== | ===Identifying Red Flags=== | ||
| − | #Proceed cautiously if the seller uses a cell phone. Thieves move around a lot, so they prefer to do business using a cell phone. They also probably don’t have a fixed address, either.< | + | #Proceed cautiously if the seller uses a cell phone. Thieves move around a lot, so they prefer to do business using a cell phone. They also probably don’t have a fixed address, either.<ref name="rf7">http://www.txdmv.gov/how-do-i-motorists/avoid-buying-a-stolen-vehicle</ref> When you go to look at the car, ask the seller where they live and work. If they hesitate, then you may be buying a stolen car. |
| − | #Be careful of cars advertised online or in the newspaper.< | + | #Be careful of cars advertised online or in the newspaper.<ref name="rf8">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 name="rf5">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> | ||
