The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has reported a significant rise in the recovery of stolen vehicles at its Las Vegas offices this year. The department is advising consumers to exercise caution when purchasing vehicles through private sales.
In 2021, the DMV has recovered 27 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of $1,017,893. In May alone, 10 stolen vehicles valued at $480,010 were retrieved. These vehicles are initially impounded as evidence before being returned to their rightful owners.
"The person trying to register the car at the DMV is usually a victim who loses both the car and the money they paid for it," stated J.D. Decker, DMV Compliance Enforcement Administrator. "You need to be especially wary of cars coming from out-of-state and sellers who want cash."
A common fraudulent scheme involves selling rental cars that are still under contract and have not been reported as stolen. Other instances include thefts from homes, public parking lots, or even auto dealer inventories. Advanced auto theft rings can steal vehicles without causing damage and produce convincing but fake titles and other documentation.
Decker advises that the best way to detect a fraudulent vehicle sale is by bringing the vehicle to a DMV inspection station for verification and completing the sale there. This service is free and does not require an appointment. DMV inspectors can verify if a vehicle has been reported stolen and identify any red flags such as improper registration or title.
Additionally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a complimentary check for stolen or total loss vehicles on its website at nicb.org.