The Kansas Highway Patrol is urging people to be cautious when purchasing a vehicle online, particularly through platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
In a recent incident, a driver from western Kansas made a cash purchase of a pickup truck through a mobile app. However, when they went to register the vehicle, it was discovered that the VIN numbers were counterfeit and the truck had actually been stolen.
Once again, troopers report another incident, this time occurring in Topeka. A 2020 1794 Special Edition Tundra was recently presented for inspection to obtain a Kansas title.
During the inspection, troopers from the Kentucky Highway Patrol (KHP) detected certain inconsistencies between the out-of-state title and the vehicle. Upon further examination, it was discovered that the truck contained counterfeit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and other identifying markers.
The truck that had been stolen earlier this year in Colorado was actually a 2020 SR5 Tundra. It was listed on Facebook Marketplace at a heavily discounted price, with the seller accepting only cash offers.
When you come across something being sold at a discounted price, particularly if the seller insists on receiving an untraceable payment method like cash, it’s crucial to exercise caution. It’s important to keep in mind that if an offer appears too good to be true, it most likely is.
To avoid falling victim to scams when buying a vehicle, the Kansas Highway Patrol offers some helpful tips. You can find these tips by visiting their website.
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