Vehicle VIN Scam PSA

[thomasinaz]

We hear about guitar sales scammers here every once in a while, so figured I'd pass this along. A new scam I discovered, while advertising my motorcycle for sale on Craigslist. A guy contacted me via the Craigslist email feature asking about my motorcycle, and why I was selling it. The next email he asks if I had a vehicle history report from the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on my motorcycle. I didn't have one and there was a back and forth about the need for one, since I have all dealer records on the bike. The last email the guy asks me if I wouldn't mind getting a VIN check, and provided a link to some Global VIN Check web site. Said they were the best he'd used and offered to repay me for the cost when he bought my bike. A Google check brought up the BBB, with a scam warning:

https://www.bbb.org/article/news-rel...cle-title-scam

Just thought I'd pass this along for anyone selling a vehicle on line.

[Bluside]

I heard about something like this years ago. They are always finding ways to steal your money.

Thanks for the warning.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, I couldn't view your link because the company/organisation refuse to follow GDPR regulations and so won't allow UK/EU viewers. However, I know of a gent who frequently gets speeding & parking tickets from places he's never been because someone has "cloned" his Range Rover number plates, and so ANPRS (automatic number plate recognition system) that the police (and others?) use picks up the phoney plate.

I dare say that some sort of crime could be fabricated with VIN numbers.

Crooks to the left of us, crook to the right!

[Dirk Hofman]

Good tip, thanks for posting.

[Aspiring]

Thanks for this. I just happen to be selling a motorcycle and had a similar request come my way.