Medford, OR – The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued a public warning about an alarming new scam targeting vehicle buyers and dealerships across the state. Scammers are using fraudulent Manufacturer Certificates of Origin (MCO) to obtain fake titles for stolen vehicles. In an effort to make the vehicles appear legitimate, the perpetrators are also creating and attaching counterfeit Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to these forged documents.
According to the DMV, these deceptive practices are part of a growing trend in vehicle fraud that can result in unsuspecting buyers purchasing stolen or improperly titled vehicles. The fake MCOs, which are typically used to establish the legitimacy of a new vehicle, are being altered to reflect non-existent information, including fabricated VINs. This allows the scammers to manipulate title records and potentially sell stolen vehicles under false pretenses.
To protect themselves from falling victim to these scams, the DMV urges Oregonians to verify the authenticity of any VIN associated with a vehicle. One reliable method is to check the VIN against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall website, which can identify any issues related to the vehicle’s history, including whether it has been reported stolen.
In addition to checking the VIN, individuals are advised to research a vehicle’s history through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This database provides a comprehensive record of a vehicle’s title, including details about past ownership, accidents, and whether the vehicle has been marked as stolen or salvaged.
The Oregon DMV continues to monitor these scams and is encouraging anyone who suspects they may have encountered a fraudulent vehicle title or dealership transaction to report it immediately. As the threat of vehicle fraud rises, experts stress the importance of conducting thorough research before making any vehicle purchase to avoid financial loss and legal complications.
By staying vigilant and utilizing available resources, Oregonians can help protect themselves from the growing problem of vehicle fraud.