(BLOOMINGTON) - Indiana State Police are warning buyers to use extreme caution when purchasing vehicles through online private sales after a surge in fraud cases nationwide.
Investigators say many scams involve vehicles advertised as "for sale by owner" on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace using newly created or suspicious social media accounts. These profiles often have little history, few connections and stolen or generic photos.
In a recent case under investigation by the ISP Bloomington District, a buyer met the seller in person and paid cash after being shown what appeared to be legitimate paperwork. Authorities later determined the vehicle was stolen.
Police say criminal groups are altering Vehicle Identification Numbers, or VINs, to match fake titles and registrations. Counterfeit VIN plates and door stickers can closely resemble factory originals, making the fraud difficult to detect without a deeper inspection.
Troopers recommend completing transactions at police departments, dealerships or reputable repair shops and having the vehicle electronically scanned to verify the internal VIN. Buyers should also confirm the seller's identity, obtain a bill of sale and avoid paying cash until all information is verified.
Officials say these steps can help prevent costly losses and reduce the risk of unknowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle.