Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Question: I am looking to purchase a used vehicle. I have been online and checking things out and some of these listings appears too good to be true. Do you have any advice on what a person can or should do so they don’t become a victim?
Answer: If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Online marketplaces are full of stolen and tampered vehicles.
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of vehicle fraud, buyers should:
- Ask for the VIN and have it checked by your local police department, a mechanic or DVS inspection site.
- Run a vehicle history report and compare the vehicle’s price to market value.
- Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic, if possible.
- Be wary of sellers who refuse to share a VIN, pressure you to act quickly or demand cash.
- Watch for prices that are far below market value.
- Review seller profiles and reviews carefully.
- Make sure you receive a valid title or required purchase paperwork.
For more information we shared on our “Safety Matters” blog: https://dps.mn.gov/news/msp/buyer-beware-how-vehicle-fraud-happens
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on “X” @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).
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