A Colorado resident recently became the victim of a sophisticated vehicle theft scam that involved purchasing a truck from Texas, only to discover the vehicle had been tampered with.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with buying vehicles online without proper verification.
How the Scam Works
Thieves use a stolen key fob to track and steal the vehicle again after it's sold.
The scam targeted an Eagle County resident who traveled to Houston to purchase a truck.
Everything seemed legitimate at first—the seller had the appropriate documents with matching VINs and license plates.
However, a closer inspection revealed that the truck’s VIN had been tampered with and the license plates cloned from legitimate ones.
This indicates that the truck was likely stolen and the paperwork altered to make it appear legitimate.
The use of a hidden tracking device only added to the suspicion that the vehicle was not what it seemed.
Uncovering the Scam
A certified VIN inspector played a key role in uncovering the scam.
The inspector discovered that the truck’s title had been tampered with, indicating that the information had been altered to match the truck’s VIN plates.
Further inspection revealed that the license plates were cloned from actual plates, a common tactic used by thieves to make the vehicle look legitimate to buyers.
Additionally, a hidden tracking device was found inside the truck, confirming the vehicle’s suspicious nature.
These discoveries underscored the level of deceit involved in this scam and prevented the victim from unknowingly becoming a repeat target of theft.
Origin and Consequences
Houston detectives confirmed that the truck had been stolen in late November.
The stolen vehicle had already been compensated by the insurance company, meaning the truck now belonged to the insurer.
The original owner, who had already lost the vehicle to theft, now faces significant financial loss as well.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, emphasizing the importance of thorough verification processes when buying vehicles, particularly from sellers online or in another state.
The victim’s experience highlights the need for heightened awareness and caution when dealing with high-ticket items like vehicles.
