Waterloo Region, Ontario – The Waterloo Regional Police Service is issuing a warning to members of the public to be wary of a growing used car sales scam.
Used car sales fraud involves fraudsters advertising vehicles for sale online. The victim then meets with the scammer and arrangements are made to sell the vehicle. There is no used vehicle information package (UVIP) provided by the purported seller, usually just a bill of sale with a change. The vehicle is sold “as is” and the buyer is advised that they will need to have a safety check carried out by a mechanic before registering the vehicle with the Ministry of Transport (MTO).
After the victim has completed a safety inspection (and paid for the necessary repairs), they go to the MTO to get license plates and a permit and discover that the vehicle is stolen.
In one case, a Kitchener resident arranged to buy a used vehicle from a dealer in the Greater Toronto Area. After paying $5,000 for the vehicle, the victim received a bill of sale and a signed title deed. The victim then paid a further $1,500 to complete the necessary repairs to obtain a Safety Standards Certificate. When the victim went to MTO to transfer the vehicle on their behalf, the victim was informed that the vehicle was stolen. The victim contacted police who confirmed that the vehicle had previously been reported stolen from York Region.
To protect yourself and others from this scam, consider the following when buying a used vehicle:
- Carefully review the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). In Ontario, sellers must legally offer this package to a buyer when selling a pre-owned vehicle.
- Ask the seller to provide valid personal identification and compare it to the ownership – they should match.
- Ask for a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check and ask to take the car in for an independent inspection.
- Beware of sellers who want to close the sale as quickly as possible. Take time to think the purchase through, ask questions and consult a professional.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the used car sales scam to contact police by calling 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
Occ: 22-208034 (913)
Questions for the media:
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
[email protected]
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