How the scam works:
(with video below) The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tampering is a practice that has become more popular in the last few years as shady sellers try to hide negative information about certain cars. It is common that several sellers go to parking lots, find the same car model and color, copy the VIN number and use that information to obtain a better history report for the damaged car they’re selling.
Watch the video below to see in action the VIN tampering scam exposed.
VIN Tampering Scam Exposed Video
How to avoid:
The verification of Vehicle Identification Number is a critical thing to do. Always try to get a professional inspection of the car you are about to buy. It will uncover VIN tampering. Learn where to find VIN number on your car by watching the video above.
How to report:
Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
Report Scammers To The Federal Trade Commission Here
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I have a potential scam regarding a VIN number on a car I bought in 2012. I was told at the time of purchase in June 2012 that the car was manufactured in 2011 and then plated in 2012 when I bought it. I leased the vehicle over two years with a residual payment which is now due, and is way higher than I expected relative to the trade in offered. I’ve leased cars for a long time now for a period of two years as the residual is pretty close to the trade in value.
I’ve been to two car dealers now and both have told me the car I now own is a 2010 model so I’ve checked the actual VIN number on the car and its different from the VIN on the tax invoice sent to the lease finance company. The 10th letter in the VIN is actually "B" while the finance document shows a "C" which writes up the car as being a year younger than actually the case. The finance docs also show the date of manufacture as 1 September, 2011.
All other documentation shows the VIN correctly so what I think has happened is that they have likely scammed me into thinking the car was a 2011 model, also scammed the finance company who probably check the VIN so they know what they are financing and then all other docs are correct so there is only one syllable in the VIN that has been altered and at a passing glance it looks ok.
Should I go to the Police with it?