06/20/2026
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) theft is real! This is why we leave nothing to chance. We buy carefully, verify each VIN and don't release the VIN to sale vehicles, unless the customer is here with us. We then disclose documentation. So many scams out there! Be Aware! Be Careful!
BUYER BEWARE: VIN CLONES, VIN SWAPS & ODOMETER FRAUD ARE STILL OUT THERE
That vehicle on social media or parked on a small dealership lot may look like a great deal—but appearances can be deceiving.
Investigators across Texas and the nation continue to encounter stolen vehicles disguised through VIN cloning and VIN swapping schemes. In many cases, buyers don't discover the problem until they attempt to title, register, or sell the vehicle.
Before you hand over your hard-earned money:
✅ Ask for the VIN before meeting the seller.
✅ Google the VIN and search the vehicle online. You may be surprised what you find.
✅ Review a vehicle history report through reputable providers and pay close attention to title history and mileage records.
✅ Run the VIN through NICB's free VINCheck service to determine whether the vehicle has been reported stolen or declared a salvage vehicle.
✅ Ask the seller to meet you at your local county tax office.
✅ Contact your local Auto Theft Task Force or law enforcement agency to inquire about VIN verification services.
✅ If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Remember: Most sellers are legitimate, but a little due diligence can save you from purchasing a stolen vehicle, a cloned vehicle, or one with a rolled-back odometer.
Crooks are getting more sophisticated. Don't make their job easier.
Trust, but verify. Check the VIN. Check the history. Protect your investment.