Buying and selling vehicles, especially GMC trucks, always carries the risk of title fraud. The Harris County Constable Precinct One Office is warning residents about a surge in vehicle title scams, resulting in millions of dollars in losses each year.
In 2020, the Office investigated over 125 cases of vehicle title fraud. A common tactic is selling stolen vehicles with forged identification numbers and fake paperwork. Victims are often Hispanic individuals, whose hesitancy to report crimes due to immigration concerns is exploited. Law enforcement officials emphasize that immigration status will not be questioned when a crime is reported.
A prime example is the arrest of Jose Luis Marin, 26, for aggravated theft. Marin is accused of illegally selling a GMC Denali truck through Facebook Marketplace. The victim paid $24,500 for the truck, valued at approximately $55,000, and discovered it was stolen when attempting to register it. Marin claimed to have “reworked the paperwork” and repaired the vehicle for sale. After the case was publicized on social media, another victim in Kansas accused Marin of fraudulently selling a stolen vehicle, defrauding them of $25,000.
GMC Denali truck on display
Beyond GMC trucks, many other types of vehicles are also targeted by criminals. In November 2019, a screening officer in Precinct One became a victim when purchasing a stolen 2017 Chevy Tahoe for $11,500 in cash. Through collaboration between the Constable’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, suspect Sasha Maria Morales was arrested and charged with Aggravated Theft and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
Chevy Tahoe parked on the street
It is estimated that in the 125 cases investigated in 2020, the total financial loss to buyers amounted to over $707,676, while the estimated value of the recovered vehicles was $1,337,225. Victims are often unable to recover their money.
To avoid becoming a victim, buyers should always verify registration information before purchasing a vehicle from an individual. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles offers low-cost vehicle history and title check tools at https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy.
Texas DMV website page for title checks
Buyers are also encouraged to conduct transactions at the Harris County Constable Precinct One Office, which has surveillance cameras, to ensure safety and record evidence if an incident occurs. The office also provides free VIN checks to detect stolen vehicles.
The Constable’s Office is partnering with the Harris County Assessor-Tax Collector and the Harris County Tax Office to combat this type of fraud. If you are a victim of vehicle title fraud, contact Sgt. Darrell DeFee at (713) 274-8362 or [email protected].
