New York buyers beware of stolen vehicles sold online, DMV says

New Yorkers are falling prey to scams involving vehicles they purchase online but later learn were stolen, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Auto buyers beware, the DMV warned, and be on the lookout for scams by verifying vehicle identification numbers, title paperwork and avoid paying cash.

The state agency and the NYPD have both seen an uptick in stolen vehicles purchased online by unknowing consumers through websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

On Long Island, the DMV said, it has recovered 50 purchased-but-stolen vehicles so far this year. Of those, 47 were sold on Facebook Marketplace, according to the DMV. The sales totaled $1,475,041, and nearly every vehicle recovered had been purchased from a seller in New York City, DMV officials said.

In a statement, interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon said: "Vehicle thefts in New York City have decreased by more than 9 percent this year compared to last year, but there are still persistent crimes of opportunity involving illegal online sales of automobiles and robberies of both buyers and sellers."

Nassau and Suffolk County police said they have not seen an uptick of stolen vehicles sold online on Long Island. Even so proceed with a potential purchase with caution.

"When someone is purchasing a vehicle through a private sale, they lose the protections that are afforded to them when they buy from an auto dealer," DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder said. "Unfortunately, there are many scammers out there waiting to take advantage of someone who needs a low-cost vehicle."

Schroeder said customers get taken by responding to fraudulent online vehicles listings from culprits posing as private sellers, frequently presenting forged documents to complete the deal.

"Often, they direct buyers to pay cash, only for them to discover at the DMV that the vehicle is stolen. Then the buyer is out of the cash and the vehicle is seized to be returned to the rightful owner," Schroeder said. "The innocent buyer never sees any restitution for their financial loss."

Sellers often use fake names and meet in public places to deliver bogus paperwork, Schroeder said.

Statewide, the DMV has recovered 228 stolen vehicles, including 149 vehicles after they were purchased on Facebook Marketplace, officials said.

Consumer advocates warned prospective buyers to take precautions when looking for vehicles online, including verifying VIN numbers, titles and owner information.

Experts said to check that VIN numbers match paperwork for the vehicle. Also, check the odometer and get an inspection of the vehicle before a potential purchase.

"It’s something to be on the lookout for any time you buy a car from someone else. It’s important to get a title before handing over any money," said Rosemary Shahan, founder of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, a California-based consumer advocacy group.

Prospective buyers should also conduct their own inspection reports to see if a vehicle may have been listed as totaled or flooded, Shahan said, adding that buyers should also have a mechanic conduct an inspection.

"It is a real problem of people selling stolen cars," Shahan said. "You can get a decent deal online, but I would recommend someone local and not across state lines. There have been nightmare scenarios when people get paid and they never get their money back. They have to be careful."

Potential buyers should make sure the vehicles haven't been altered, including doors and the ignition, which can be replaced.

"With social media, it’s made things easier, but the reach of potential victims is much wider," AAA Northeast spokesman Alec Slatky said. "The general rule of thumb, is if it’s too good to be true, it probably is — especially if they’re asking for cash. It doesn’t always mean you’re being scammed, but look out for anything that raises your antenna."

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.