Scammers Targeting Tax Refund Recipients
Here's a little reminder from
HCSO that scammers are out there and targeting people. To be informed is to be protected!
It’s that time of year when most look forward to getting a little bit of money back from Uncle Sam in the form of a tax refund. If you’re like most, this affords some people to purchase a vehicle for cash. Unfortunately, vehicle thieves and scammers are ready and waiting to relieve you of your cash. No matter the reason for buying the vehicle, make sure you are the true owner when it comes time to register it in your name at the local courthouse.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) want to take a moment to remind you of a few helpful tips when making the purchase. Don’t be consumed with the excitement of buying. In other words, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It might help to take a second person who is knowledgeable along with you. Like so many, most start their search on sites like Craigslist and Offer Up. For those seeking to purchase a vehicle on sites like this, you need to be aware that there are many vehicle scammers posting stolen vehicles on these sites. They lie and wait just as any predator would do, waiting for the unsuspecting prey (You). They will often speak fast during the transaction and will often redirect you from any problems with the vehicle. Once you get past this, along with the color, condition and presumed reliability of the vehicle, check the following items to protect yourself.
Has the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate or sticker been tampered with and is it intact? If it passes this test, then you must examine the official title. First and foremost, if there is no title, “No Deal”. Take a good look at the title; this is crucial due to the fact that it can be easily altered to look like an original. If the VIN has been erased, re-typed, hand written, misspelled or altered in any way on the title, walk away. Be cautious of the always popular, parking lot and third party transactions. It’s suggested that you purchase from a known seller, such as a legitimate dealer to help reduce the risk of fraud. A good place to meet is a county annex so that both you and the seller can go directly in to do the title transfer.
Although I have written and continuously speak on this subject, many citizens of Harris County continue to be victimized by these predators. We strongly advise those in search of pre-owned vehicles to take the extra precautions that we have outlined here. I’ll close with this, “Caveat Emptor”. That means “Buyer Beware”.
~Harris County Deputy Sam Cerda CCPS