Online car shopping may seem like a great way to score a deal. However, if the car you purchase turns out to be stolen, you could end up losing all the money you put into buying it. In efforts to raise awareness about the risks of online car shopping and educate the public on how to recognize car scams, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) held a joint advocacy event on October 21.
In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of stolen vehicles being sold online. As of October 15 this year, the New York State DMV has recovered 228 stolen vehicles, totaling a value of 6.35 million dollars. Approximately 150 of these vehicles were purchased by victims through social media or similar websites. One common feature of these stolen cars is the unbelievably low prices they are offered at, which attract unsuspecting buyers.
Despite a 9% decrease in vehicle theft cases in New York City this year, illegal online car sales and related robbery incidents continue to persist. The NYPD emphasizes that these random crimes still pose a threat to the public.
To assist citizens in identifying illegal vehicles and avoiding falling into car-buying traps, the NYPD and DMV recommend thoroughly examining all vehicle documents before making a purchase. It is crucial to check for any signs of forgery or alteration on the documents and to insist on conducting transactions at a police station, avoiding cash payments at all costs. If the seller refuses this arrangement, buyers should be extra cautious.
The DMV also advises buyers to verify that the vehicle’s ownership documents (Title) and driver’s license belong to the seller, check the seller’s identification, and make payments using bank drafts issued to the seller rather than cash or personal checks. Additionally, they should ensure that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the car door matches the one on the Title. The vehicle VIN can be checked at https://www.nicb.org/vincheck.
In addition, buyers should inspect the vehicle’s odometer reading. If the mileage is lower than the recorded data, it could be a warning sign of fraud. The odometer reading can be checked online at https://verifiny.com/check.
Whether buying from a car dealership or a private seller, buyers should conduct thorough safety inspections on the vehicle. They should look for signs of collision damage, excessive wear and tear, cracks, holes, or any other issues on the body and interior of the car, which may require professional inspection services.
Authorities remind citizens to remain vigilant when shopping for cars online. While some luxury car prices may be significantly lower than market value, purchasing a stolen vehicle can lead to loss of the purchase amount and potential legal risks. If any suspicious activity arises during the car buying process, individuals should seek assistance from law enforcement or the motor vehicle department. Before making a purchase, it is recommended to visit the New York State anti-car fraud website: https://tinyurl.com/37rmk2w6.