Texarkana police are warning buyers to be cautious when purchasing vehicles through social media platforms. Auto theft rings are using fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to flip stolen cars—and unsuspecting buyers are getting scammed.
Texarkana police are warning buyers to be cautious when purchasing vehicles through social media platforms. Auto theft rings are using fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to flip stolen cars—and unsuspecting buyers are getting scammed.
At least two cases have been reported in Texarkana, but officials say the problem is happening nationwide.
To protect yourself:
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut.
- Always ask for the VIN and run a title check at txdmv.gov.
- When buying from a private seller, meet at the county tax office to transfer the title—no exceptions.
Red flags to watch for:
- Seller refuses to meet at the tax office
- Wants to meet in a random parking lot
- Insists on cash-only payments
- Won’t provide the VIN or registration info
Before paying, double-check that the VIN on the dash, license plate, and registration all match. A little caution now can save you from a costly mistake later.
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