Car thieves in Maine are becoming more sophisticated by using cloned vehicle identification numbers to hide stolen vehicles. Derek Dinsmore, director of the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle Enforcement Services Division, warns that these criminals are part of sophisticated criminal enterprises, making it difficult to spot fake VINs. A recent case revealed that two $80,000 GMC trucks purchased with cash in Maine were actually stolen with cloned VINs from a theft ring in Texas. These VIN clonings are not unique to Maine, as they are happening across the United States and Canada.
Purchasing a vehicle with a cloned VIN can have serious financial consequences, as insurance companies and banks typically do not reimburse buyers who unknowingly purchase a stolen vehicle. Dinsmore advises Mainers to be diligent when making a purchase, especially in private sales. It is recommended to buy a title report from reputable sources like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or Carfax before finalizing a deal.
Due to the rise in VIN clonings on higher-end vehicles, it is crucial for buyers to verify the vehicle’s history and ensure that the information aligns with the seller’s claims. If a cloned VIN is suspected, individuals should contact local police and the BMV’s Enforcement Services Division to report the issue. Dinsmore stresses the importance of doing due diligence and paying attention when purchasing a vehicle to avoid falling victim to car thieves using cloned VINs.
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