If you are looking to buy a used car online, either go through a dealership or thoroughly do your homework.
Purchasing a used vehicle through Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms can pose significant risks, particularly as these platforms have become a hotspot for thieves attempting to sell stolen goods.
Without stringent vetting processes, buyers may unknowingly purchase vehicles with tampered VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) or fraudulent ownership documents, leading to legal troubles and financial loss.
Unlike licensed dealerships, online transactions often lack transparency and fail to provide essential consumer protections such as warranties or verification of the vehicle’s history.
That was Constable Andrew Gamble with the OPP.
He says that over the past several years, police have noticed more residents across Ontario exploring alternative options when purchasing vehicles.
While most vehicles sold online are legitimate sales by car owners looking to make some money from a vehicle they no longer need, criminals have increasingly used online platforms to sell stolen vehicles.
Gamble adds that these criminals are becoming more sophisticated in covering their tracks.
However, Gamble clarifies that he is not suggesting every vehicle you see on platforms like Marketplace is “stolen.”
Gamble advises potential buyers to take their time when purchasing a vehicle, obtain a vehicle history report, and discuss the purchase with a trusted friend or family member before exchanging any money.
(Written by: Matt Leblanc)
