Image: Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment / BC RCMP investigators with the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) are warning the public about purchasing reasonably priced used cars, saying these vehicles may have been stolen in a scenario that could leave used car buyers with repossessed vehicles that are essentially worthless.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

BC RCMP issues used car buying warning

BC RCMP warns public about buying used cars, especially if the price is too good to be true

Dec 18, 2023 | 10:28 AM

SURREY — BC RCMP investigators with the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) are warning the public about purchasing reasonably priced used cars, saying these vehicles may have been stolen in a scenario that could leave car buyers with repossessed vehicles that are essentially worthless.

In a statement issued Monday (Dec. 18), police investigators involved with IMPACT say they have been working on files where B.C. residents have been purchasing used vehicles, often at decently good prices, and when they go to register their newly acquired vehicles, they learn the VIN is fake and the vehicle in fact has been stolen. At this point, police say, the car is then repossessed and the buyer has lost their money.

“We have seen these vehicle purchases being made on secondary markets online but also at used car dealerships where the dealership is unaware until they sell the vehicle and the new owner tries to register it,” said Acting Inspector Eugene Lum, Officer in Charge of IMPACT.

Police say it is always recommended for vehicle buyers to meet their seller in person, in a safe location, bringing a friend or family member, and conducting a test drive. Police provided the following tips and steps to take before purchasing a used vehicle:

• There are 2 VINs on each vehicle under/on the windshield and driver’s door jamb. Check to ensure the VINs match.
• Enter the VIN on a free decoder tool: Free VIN Decoder: VIN Check & Lookup in Canada | CARFAX Canada and make sure it matches the vehicle you are purchasing.
• Enter the VIN on the manufacturer’s website to make sure it exists and see if there are any recalls or other associated information to that VIN.
• Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection from providers such as a Carfax.
• When looking at the vehicle’s report, carefully look for any inconsistencies such as if the car is registered in two difference provinces at the same time or if the vehicle is listed as gasoline, diesel or hybrid powered.
• Check a VIN number on the Canadian Police Information Centre public website to determine if it has been reported stolen to police.
• Be mindful of the asking price, if the price is too good to be true, it usually is.

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“If a buyer is looking at a used vehicle and there are inconsistencies and unanswered questions in its history, paperwork or seller’s story, then they should not buy it,” adds Acting Inspector Lum. “A reminder to the public to do their due diligence and take precautions when purchasing a used vehicle to ensure their personal and financial safety and the legitimacy of their purchase.”

More tips on purchasing a vehicle privately can also be found here: Buying Privately – VSA (vsabc.ca)