Buying and selling used pickup trucks carries inherent risks, especially concerning fraudulent ownership documents. The interior of a pickup truck might conceal signs indicating the vehicle was stolen and its documents falsified. The Harris County Constable Precinct 1 Office warns residents about this scam and advises thoroughly checking registration information before purchasing a vehicle.
Scam Tactics and Serious Consequences
In 2020, the Harris County Constable Precinct 1 Office investigated over 125 fraud cases related to pickup truck ownership documents. A common tactic involves selling stolen pickup trucks with forged Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and counterfeit paperwork. Many victims are Hispanic, targeted due to fears about immigration status. However, law enforcement assures that immigration status will not be questioned when victims report these crimes.
A notable case involved the arrest of 26-year-old Jose Luis Marin for felony theft. Marin sold a stolen GMC Denali through Facebook Marketplace for $24,500, significantly below its actual value of $55,000. When the victim attempted to register the vehicle, they discovered it had been reported stolen and the VIN had been altered. Following social media coverage of the incident, another victim in Kansas came forward, accusing Marin of fraudulently selling a stolen pickup truck for $25,000.
Beyond Marin’s case, a screener at Precinct 1 also fell victim to a similar scam. Police arrested a woman for selling a stolen 2017 Chevy Tahoe for $11,500 in cash.
Total losses in the 125 investigated cases exceeded $707,676, with the estimated value of recovered vehicles at $1,337,225. Victims often cannot recover their money after being defrauded.
Inspecting Inside Pickup Trucks and Preventing Scams
To avoid becoming a victim, buyers must always verify registration information before purchasing a pickup truck from an individual. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides affordable vehicle history and ownership document checks at: https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy.
Additionally, conduct transactions in public places with surveillance cameras or at a police station. The Harris County Constable Precinct 1 Office has designated a parking area under surveillance cameras at 1302 Preston Street for this purpose.
For enhanced security, police offer free VIN verification services. Officers will attach a device to the vehicle to check if the VIN on the internal computer matches the dashboard VIN. VIN discrepancies can indicate a stolen vehicle. Register for this service on the Constable’s Office website.
Conclusion
Thoroughly inspecting the inside of a pickup truck, especially the VIN, along with verifying ownership documents is crucial to prevent fraud. Stay vigilant and utilize available resources to protect your interests when buying or selling used pickup trucks. If you are a victim of fraud, contact Sgt. Darrell DeFee at (713) 274-8362 or [email protected].
