Authorities Warn of "Recycling" Vehicle Theft Scheme Targeting Consumers
Eagle County authorities are alerting the public about a sophisticated vehicle theft scheme where thieves "recycle" stolen cars by retaining a key fob after selling them. This tactic recently affected a local resident who lost both a significant sum of money and their newly purchased truck.
The victim discovered the truck via Facebook Marketplace and traveled to Houston to inspect it. The seller provided legitimate-looking documentation, including a vehicle title matching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) found on the truck. A lost key fob was also mentioned, but the buyer paid in cash and drove the vehicle back to Colorado.
Suspicion arose when the buyer attempted to register the truck in Eagle County. Local clerk office personnel flagged the vehicle, prompting a detective investigation. The detective, a certified VIN inspector, determined that the title had been altered, with the license plates being cloned from genuine plates. Furthermore, a tracking device was found hidden on the truck, leading to the discovery that it had been reported stolen in Houston months prior.
According to the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, "crooks steal the cars, forge paperwork to sell them, and then use tracking devices to reclaim the vehicle, often targeting the unsuspecting new owners." While local authorities collaborate with Texas law enforcement to apprehend the criminals, the impact on the victim remains significant.
ECSO advises consumers against paying cash for items purchased through social media platforms, recommending payment methods that offer fraud protection, like certified checks. They also urge buyers to trust their instincts when encountering deals that appear too good to be true.
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