Thinking about buying a car off Facebook Marketplace or another social media site? Local authorities say you might want to do some homework first—especially with a rise in stolen vehicles being sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Auto theft rings are flipping stolen cars by using fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), making the cars appear legitimate. It’s a scam that’s been popping up all over the country—and at least two cases have already hit close to home here in Texarkana.
“These deals often look too good to be true—and they usually are,” said a local official. “People are getting burned by sellers who disappear as soon as the cash is in hand.”
Authorities and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles are urging buyers to protect themselves before making a purchase. Here are a few things you can do to stay safe:
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Get the VIN and run a title check at txdmv.gov
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Insist on meeting at the county tax office to transfer the title—no exceptions.
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Verify the VIN on the dashboard, license plate, and registration paperwork to make sure everything matches up.
Buyers are also warned to be on the lookout for common red flags:
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Seller refuses to meet at the tax office
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Wants to meet in a random parking lot
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Demands cash only
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Won’t provide the VIN or registration info
Officials say taking a few extra minutes to verify details up front can save buyers from a major financial headache—or worse.
“If something feels off, trust your gut,” said one law enforcement officer. “Don’t let a shady deal cost you big.”
