According to car site, MonsterAuto.ca, vehicle cloning is all the rage: “Here is how it works. Thieves steal a car, usually a high-end “desirable” car or SUV. Then they take the vehicle identification number or VIN from a similar vehicle and slap it on the stolen car. Because each VIN is unique like a fingerprint, the stolen vehicle become a clone of a legitimate vehicle. Add some fake papers, and the thieves are ready to sell you a vehicle that looks perfectly legal.”

When the police come knocking on your door, you have no legal recourse – you have to hand over the stolen property. Statistics show that this horror story is happening to more and more people ever year. In 2007 there were over 1.3 million cars stolen cars in the US, with over 250,000 or 1 in 5 of these stolen vehicles sold to unsuspecting victims. In the UK, this is being called that fastest growing car crime. And Canadians are being hit just as hard.

1. LOW SALE PRICE: If the car seller is asking a ridiculously low price for the vehicle, inquire why. Smart buyers usually research car prices online before purchasing. To check current car values simply search for a similar vehicle on a popular car classified website. If the vehicles asking price is significantly lower, be suspicious the car could be stolen. The thief may be asking the lowest possible price to rid them of the vehicle quickly.
2. PHONE NUMBER: Always ask for the seller’s landline before your first meeting. While cell phones are convenient and increasingly common, it will be next to impossible to trace if the need arises. If the seller refuses or states that they only have a cell phone approach with caution. Be extra vigilant in your dealings with this person since it will be very difficult to find them if they suddenly disappear.
3. REGISTRATION ADDRESS.
4. INSPECTION.
5. REGISTRATION PAPERS.
6. MAINTENANCE RECORDS.
7. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
8. INSURANCE.
9. INTUITION.

This list has been severely abridged. To read the full list and full descriptions (AND YouTube video), view the original post at it’s source:

Attack of the Clones (MonsterAuto.ca)