Investigators from the DMV have arrested a seller they say altered a car’s title and odometer on Facebook Marketplace.
Authorities say they got an online complaint about possible odometer fraud and learned that the unidentified suspect bought a 2003 Honda Element with over 260,000 miles for $1,200 and received a Nevada title with the seller’s signature. The suspect did not sign the buyer’s section of the Nevada title. Then one day later, the DMV says the car completed a smog test and received an inspection report showing the vehicle only reported to have 133,292 miles on the odometer.
Further in the investigation, they say it was discovered that the suspect, “title jumped” the ownership chain.
They say he used the original seller’s name and signature when selling the car just three days after buying it by signing a fake name on the bill of sale and pretending to be the original owner with the transfer of the Nevada title to the victim.
The DMV says the suspect sold the vehicle for $4,500 to the victim using Facebook Marketplace, stating on the ad that the car had over 133,000 miles on it.
“It is imperative that we ask buyers to take the extra step and ensure they are purchasing a legitimate vehicle,” said CED Chief J.D. Decker. “Get a photo of the seller’s ID and contact information, and meet at a DMV VIN inspection station, eliminating the possibility of odometer tampering.”
The suspect is charged for three felonies, including, unlawful change of mileage, unlawful sale, offer of sale or display for sale of motor vehicle, forgery, and other acts constituting forgery.
If you believe you are a victim of a possible scam, contact the Compliance Enforcement Division at 775-684-4790.
(Nevada DMV contributed to this report.)
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