Facebook Marketplace Scam Results in Ram Buyer Ending Up with Stolen Truck Surrounded by Police and Losing $28,000 | Carscoops

      An Ohio man will be spending hundreds of dollars each month for several years on a truck he will never truly own.

      Recently, a man purchased a RAM 2500 for $28,000 from a seller on Facebook Marketplace. Just two weeks later, police surrounded him and permanently confiscated the vehicle.

      It was discovered that the truck was stolen and a duplicate of another RAM in a different state.

      Imagine buying a used vehicle, believing you’ve done everything correctly, only to find out it’s stolen. This unfortunate situation occurred to a man in Ohio, serving as a clear example of a “cloning scam.” Here’s what happened and how others can avoid facing a similar ordeal.

      The Deal That Fell Apart

      The individual affected is John Turco, a well-intentioned (and perhaps overly trusting) buyer who purchased a 2021 RAM 2500 from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace for $28,000. Prior to the purchase, he took his precautions seriously, securing three separate VIN history reports from different service providers. After obtaining a loan for the truck, completing the payment to the seller, and obtaining insurance and license plates, everything unraveled.

      Turco was met with a shocking turn of events when he arrived for a doctor’s appointment, finding himself surrounded by officers. “I parked in the lot, and suddenly I’m encircled by six police officers,” Turco recounted to WLWT. One officer quickly assured him, saying, “You’re not in any trouble.”

      A dealership in Tennessee had noticed that someone filed for a title for a truck in their inventory that matched the VIN of Turco's truck, which was actually a different, stolen RAM 2500. The police seized the stolen vehicle, leaving Turco responsible for $450 monthly payments over the next five years for a car he no longer possesses. Fortunately, it could’ve been worse.

      Officers provided valuable advice on how to avoid such predicaments. First, it’s crucial to inspect all visible VIN numbers on the vehicle. The VIN sticker located in the door card is particularly difficult to remove. “You’ll find it hard to even get a fingernail underneath it,” an Ohio State Highway Police sergeant stated. Additionally, potential buyers can utilize an OBDII tool to scan the vehicle’s VIN through its onboard computer.

      There are other minor details to be mindful of. “In this case, the VIN sticker on the dashboard, just below the windshield, was slightly misaligned. Chrysler ensures their stickers are centered and equipped with a scannable QR code,” the sergeant noted. “When vehicles are cloned, the individuals creating the clones often overlook the precise alignment of the VIN.”

      While everyone loves a good deal, purchasing from private sellers can be risky—much like adopting a puppy from the street; you can never be certain of what you’ll get, and you might end up with unexpected problems. It’s essential to be cautious and thorough when buying from private individuals, as they may offer better prices than dealerships, but buyer protections are usually weaker in most states.

      To protect yourself from the so-called “cloning scam,” consider the following tips:

      Examine All VINs: It isn’t sufficient to just check the VIN on the dashboard or the door card. Investigate all of them. An Ohio State Highway Police sergeant advises verifying the VIN sticker on the door card. Since it is almost impossible to peel off, any sign of tampering should raise alarms. Additionally, an OBDII scan can confirm if the onboard computer's VIN matches.

      Notice the Little Details: This is where scammers often slip up. In Turco's case, the VIN sticker at the bottom of the windshield was slightly off-center, which might seem minor but is significant. Chrysler has a specific method for centering the VIN sticker, ensuring it features a scannable QR code. If it’s askew or cannot be scanned, that’s a red flag. So, if you find yourself questioning the VIN’s alignment, something is likely amiss.

      Trust Your Instincts—and Your Tools: The aim here isn’t to frighten you into only purchasing a vehicle from a dealership (though, considering the circumstances, it might be worth contemplating). It’s about conducting thorough research before making that payment. Utilize your OBDII tool, and if you have an uneasy feeling about the seller or vehicle, take it seriously. There are numerous ways to steer clear of complications—just remain vigilant.