10 Signs You Are About To Purchase A Stolen Car

Everyone loves a great deal on a car, even if it comes at a cost. Any buyer who decides to go outside of the safety zone of a well-known car dealership or any other credible source should be aware of the possible consequences. A thief will be all too eager to sell anyone a car for the right price. And since buyers want the lowest price possible, it is a match made in heaven. Here are ten signs that a buyer is about to purchase a stolen vehicle.

There Is No Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Number

A vehicle’s identification number is a code that identifies a particular vehicle. It can be thought of like the car’s fingerprints or social security number. The VIN will be located at the base of the windshield or inside the driver’s side door. It can be used to trace the cars past owners, insurance coverage, and any reported thefts. A stolen car may not have a VIN at all, or the thief may have switched it out. Inspect the number carefully to make sure it has not been tampered with and run the number through an online car history site to be sure.

The Buyer Is Asked To Pay In Cash

Paying in cash is a good way not to receive a receipt, any documentation, or even a car title, meaning the buyer has no way to track the vehicle back to the thief who sold it to them. Turning in a stolen vehicle may even get the buyer in trouble if there is no way to prove the car was paid for. If paying with cash, make sure a vehicle’s title and all other documents are carefully inspected before handing over the dough. It should also be noted on the records that the car was paid for in cash.

Fake Paperwork

Experienced car thieves may do a good job of handing over fake paperwork that looks real, which is why all paperwork should be carefully inspected if buying from a stranger or a shady used car sales lot. Examine the title and check for any discrepancies, such as misspellings or the wrong VIN. Consider taking the bank documents to be checked out by a professional to make sure they check out. If not, pull out of the deal immediately.

The Seller Is Sketchy

Some car guys may appear sketchy because they are dirty or unkempt from working under a car all day. Others have a truly sketchy feel to them. If the seller of a vehicle asks to be called something other than his real name and does not have a fixed address, email, or phone number, get out of the deal. A crook will not provide any details of his whereabouts that can be traced back to where he lives. Asking a buyer to always “come alone” is another red flag.

It Is Posted On Craigslist

Craigslist is a cool, free site that allows sellers to list just about anything with minimal supervision. It can also be a good place to get murdered. Although not the safest place to sell or buy a car, people still use it because it is free to list and easy to use. Keep in mind that the seller might not know anything about cars, including the fact that their vehicle might be stolen. Or they are trying to lead an unsuspecting buying into danger.

Something Is Not Right With The License Plate

It is a good idea to check out the license plate before finalizing any deal to make sure it is not fake. Some changes will be obvious, but others are hard to catch. Look for a license plate that is fully reflective and comes with a particular design for its state. Be sure it is not expired, and there are no noticeable changes. It does not hurt to run it through a background check to be sure.

The Deal Is Too Good To be True

The old saying is true, so any car deal that seems too good to be true usually is. Sure, there are some lucky fools out there who benefit from a bitter divorcee trying to get back at their ex by selling a dream car for cheap, but most of the time the deal cannot be trusted. Purchasing a car should never be an impulse buy. Be sure to research the vehicle before buying it. If the asking price is lower than every other deal out there, ask the seller why.

Blood Stains On The Interior

Bloodstains on the interior of a car are an obvious sign that the car is not legit and neither is the seller. Even if those red marks have been covered up or someone attempted to clean them, ask about every sign of wear and tear on the vehicle. An honest car owner will be able to advise where it came from. Make sure it is a believable story. Or better yet, walk away from any deal that might include blood.

There Are Drugs In The Car

Some people might argue that there is a difference between a stolen car and a seller who enjoys the occasional crack pipe, but both are troublesome for an unaware buyer. Always check the vehicle thoroughly to make sure there are no surprises, such as drugs in the glove compartment. Even if the car smells like drugs but none are found, get out of the deal. The car will cause problems anytime it gets pulled over.

There Is A Body In The Trunk

Many people do not think to check the trunk of a vehicle before buying it, but this is a major step especially if the vehicle is used. If the seller constantly redirects the buyer from a particular area of the car, ask questions, or get out of there. With all joking aside, the vehicle should be checked from top to bottom to make sure it all checks out. If anything suspicious is found (like a body in the trunk), be sure to call the police right away.