August 14, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
Buyers beware!
County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss is urging buyers of used automobiles to beware of vehicle title scams which seem to be on the rise of late.
Vehicle title fraud occurs when a dealer or private seller issues you a forged or incomplete car title. It is up to the car buyer to determine if the title is bad.
“Over the last several months we have received a higher number of defaced titles. Titles signed in the wrong place, white out, scribbled out names, etc. Any title that is defaced will be rejected by the state. We have methods to potentially identify problems for both individuals and lenders but it’s very important to let us view the title either in person or by email prior to the individual or lender accepting such title., said County Clerk Poss.
“Another concern is we have received a higher number of out-of-state titles that are bogus/counterfeit scams. In one case we had a customer purchase a vehicle with a Georgia title for $25,000 cash. He then came to register the vehicle only to find the title he was given was counterfeit. While initiating the title and registration process our office discovered the vehicle had an active North Carolina title. Later, it was revealed not only did it have a North Carolina title, it was actually sold and financed through a dealership in Georgia with a North Carolina title and an existing lien holder. In this case the person who sold the vehicle last was not the person who had initially financed it through the dealership. It appears the original purchaser who financed the vehicle relinquished the automobile to a potential acquaintance who with a counterfeit title drove it to Smithville and then resold the already financed vehicle to a resident in DeKalb County,” added Poss.
“Unless you are dealing with someone you have complete confidence in, if you are making a purchase from an individual take time to validate the title information you are about to receive. We are not allowed nor will we ever give out personal information, however, in many instances, these fraudulent cases can be identified readily before you pay someone you may never see again. Both lenders and individuals are encouraged to call the County Clerk’s office in an effort to verify the validity of the title you are about to accept,” said County Clerk Poss.