This newer scam is called “VIN cloning”, because the Vehicle Identification Number is stolen from another car. Criminals obtain VINs by copying them from the dash of cars in parking lots–even at dealerships. Some even physically remove the VIN plate from vehicles in auto salvage yards that allow customers to “pick your own parts.” (They do not mean that literally!) The number is used to falsely obtain new ownership documents, or documents are forged. Either way, a cloned VIN allows them to transform stolen cars into pseudo- legal vehicles that can be officially titled and sold.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO AVOID BUYING A STOLEN CAR:

1. Check the VIN on the dash against the VIN in the driver’s door jamb, under the hood, and on the paperwork;
2. Use the VIN to get the car’s SPECIFICATIONS, factory SERIES OPTIONS and ORDER OPTIONS! ! Options and Specifications of the car must match with those on the car!

You can check the Specifications and Options by VIN number here: http://www.bmw-options-vin-decoder.com or http://www.bmw-vin.com