How VIN Number Scams Work
Scammers use various tactics to pull off VIN number fraud. Some are more sophisticated than others, but all are designed to trick buyers. Let's break down the common methods they use:
Cloning the VIN
One of the most common methods is cloning. In this case, a scammer obtains the VIN from a car that has a clean history, such as a vehicle that was never in an accident and has a valid title. They then transfer this VIN to a car that has been stolen, salvaged, or has a problematic history.
By doing this, the scammer creates a fraudulent vehicle that appears legitimate on paper. This is particularly dangerous because the cloned car will show up as “clean” when checked against databases, making it harder for the buyer to detect.
Switching VIN Plates
Sometimes, scammers physically swap the VIN plates. Every car has multiple locations where the VIN is etched or stamped, such as on the dashboard, inside the engine bay, or on the car's frame. A scammer might switch the VIN plate from one car to another, hoping the buyer will only check one or two locations. This can be hard to detect, especially if the scammer has gone to the trouble of forging documents or creating a fraudulent car title.
Forged Documents
Along with altering the VIN, scammers may also forge or manipulate official documents like titles, registration papers, or maintenance records. For example, they may create a fake title that matches the cloned VIN, making it seem like the car has a legitimate history.
Forged maintenance records may also be provided, showing that the car was serviced regularly when, in fact, it may have been in serious accidents or neglected.
Creating Fake VINs
In rare cases, scammers create entirely fake VINs. They'll assign a new, non-existent VIN to a car and then forge all related paperwork. Since there's no actual history tied to the VIN, buyers may not realize the vehicle is fraudulent until they attempt to register it or attempt to sell it later.