10 signs that you are about to purchase a stolen car

Purchasing a car is considered as one of the most significant milestones one person could possibly achieve. For whatever reason, people signify it as an exhibit of financial capability. Someone who is privileged or hard-working enough can buy a brand new car, one that is right out of the showroom from the latest model releases of various auto brands in the market.

Some, however, would opt to go for cheaper alternatives just to serve a practical purpose of having a convenient way of transportation. But, there are risks associated when purchasing from relatively low-priced bargains and deals. Hustlers and carnappers would gladly take advantage of a person’s vulnerability and leaning towards a low-cost transaction because, we might never want to admit but, earning cash is hard enough, and at every possibility, people would want to save every penny.

With this situation in mind, how would you avoid the possibility of purchasing a stolen car? Philkotse.com compiled some tips you can follow when car-shopping for affordable cars.

1. You can’t identify the car’s VIN

Signs of tampering and scratching are already a big flag upon canvassing. Make sure that you can read and recognize the car's VIN without alterations. You can also use legitimate websites such as “Carfax” or inquire at the National Insurance Crime Bureau for the car’s transaction history. In this manner, you can check and verify as to whether the car was initially sold by the previous owner, salvaged or stolen.

Make sure that you can read and recognize the car's VIN without alterations

2. Beware of Cash-Only Basis

Be wary when the seller informs you that the transaction will only be made on a cash basis. More often than not, people trying to sell off a stolen car cannot present a legally binding document or a receipt that indicates the details of the seller and the transfer of ownership concerning the vehicle. When you are not sure, or the seller does not present any form of legal documents, steer away from the transaction and report it to the police immediately.

Be wary when the seller informs you that the transaction will only be made on a cash basis

3. Legal documents which look falsified

Speaking of tip no. 2, some sellers are clever enough to produce and print out paperwork that looks convincing and authentic. If upon your observation, you notice that there are misspelled, incorrect and tampered information, trust your intuition and immediately ask professional help from the authorities. The sooner you see the deceit, the sooner the authorities can catch the culprit.

Some sellers are clever enough to produce and print out paperwork that looks convincing and authentic.

4. Seller looks and feels “kind of” sketchy 

Yes, the outer appearance shouldn’t matter (that much), but his actions certainly would give away if his intentions are sketchy. For example, notice if he contacts you through different numbers, or how he writes you an e-mail of different handles, at the same time, notice how he doesn't give much information about himself or observe how he would stutter and be inconsistent on giving out made-up addresses and contact details. If there are discrepancies and some details simply do not add up, don’t bother replying to that seller again.

The seller's actions certainly would give away if his intentions are sketchy

5. You are making a purchase from social media sites or legit sites

Yes, the transactions might be true, but that doesn’t mean that the goods are of high-class as you would expect it to be. Sites like Facebook Market and Craigslist allow people to post whatever property or items they have of no value for a cheap return. For some, it is one of the fastest ways to dispose of something. There are “urban legends” or postings like the crazy ex that wanted to get revenge by snatching off her fiancé’s car and listing it as an item for sale. It might contain a heap load of drama, but it is stealing. Some sketchy dealers might disguise the posts to get empathy while taking advantage of the aspect of urgency and affordability on the buyer’s side.

Sites like Facebook Market and Craigslist allow people to post whatever property or items they have of no value for a cheap return

>>> Read more: What to do when being victimized on online car scams?

6. Investigate how the license plates look 

Another red flag to watch for is the appearance of the license plates. When it is replaced by cardboard with written remarks of “being lost or being replaced,” doesn’t bother contacting the seller. You can always verify the legitimacy of the license plate by inquiring on local authorities about the registration of such a car.

7. The deal seems “too good to be true."

You know what they say when something is far-fetched and unrealistically exceeded your expectations, the deal might be a fluke. Purchasing a car should not be made out of a crazy impulse of saving a hefty amount of money. It should be done with thorough research, awareness, and investigation. It is not a black-Friday sale wherein everybody are just grabbing something and rushing to the counter, for jeepney’s sake! A car is a form of investment.

You know what they say when something is far-fetched and unrealistically exceeded your expectations, the deal might be a fluke

8. Evidence of blood stains

You better run when you see blood stains inside the car you’re planning to purchase. We can’t stress the fact that most of the time, wrongdoers will do anything just to escape from a sticky (literally) situation. Good persons that plan to sell their car will absolutely do anything to make their car look presentable to the buyer. Having blood stains on the car floor is not an appealing way to attract potential buyers.

9. You discovered illegal substances in the car’s compartment

You are reaching the conclusion of the transaction, and you had a tingling feeling to look inside the compartment of the car, upon closer inspection, you discovered a stash of crystalline-looking stuff that you can’t seem to identify. Even if the car is not stolen or involved in a crime, seeing such objects is an immediate turn-off. Politely decline and end the transaction as soon as possible to avoid further linkage to whatever illegal act the seller might be partaking.

Remember to check the car's compartment carefully before making the deal

10. A dead body in the trunk

God forbid this becomes a sight of horror for any potential car buyers. Just run and never look back. Report the scene immediately to the police to catch the murderer.

Most of the time, a person’s intuition is correct. When your human senses are uncomfortable and are telling you otherwise (even though you’re itching to have a car of your own for such cheap price), simply walk away and decline the transaction as civil as possible. Don’t let an air of nervousness and fear overwhelm you, the seller will notice it. If you think that you got away safely, report the incident immediately to the police. Who knows, the police might find the culprit and obtain the car to be returned to its rightful owner? Now, wouldn’t that be an ideal situation for all of us?