Woman accused of faking VIN to try to sell stolen car on Craigslist

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Montgomery County auto theft task force went undercover to expose a scam on Craigslist, and they think this is not the suspect's first time.

Dyanna Meza, 24, of Houston, is accused of trying to run a scam on Craigslist. Detectives say she posted an ad selling a used Honda Civic for about $2,000. When undercover deputies answered the ad and saw the car, they say they nearly immediately realized something was suspicious.

Lt. Joe Sclider said, "When we looked at the vehicle, we could tell there were certain things that were not correct."

There were reportedly strange scratches and other marks around the vehicle identification number. Authorities think someone switched it with a salvaged number. They also say that if you look closely at the vehicle's title, the VIN appears doctored there as well.

"When you run that VIN on the vehicle, it comes back to a completely separate vehicle."

In fact, detectives say, this car was stolen out of Houston about a month ago. They say this is a growing scam, with folks finding ways to sell stolen vehicles and making them look like the titles are clear. This sort of bait and switch is nothing new but using sites like Craigslist to facilitate the deal they say is happening more and more.

The Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force offers the following tips for consumers:

The public is reminded that there are numerous scams on Craigslist and other similar publications. These include stolen vehicles, vehicle parts, trailers; title and odometer fraud. Buyers are reminded of the old adage "If it seems to be too good to be true it probably is!"

Anyone planning to make a purchase from a private individual, from an ad on the internet, newspaper or other publication should check the vehicle and documents very carefully. Make sure that the title is an original and that the VIN matches the one on the title. Buyers may wish consider conducting the transaction at the local tax office as they will have all the necessary paperwork and notaries to complete the transaction.

If buying car parts or items without title paperwork make sure to receive a Bill of Sale and remember that in many scams the seller will tell you that the title is lost and you can get a new title with the bill of sale.

In many trailer purchases, the seller tells the buyer that the trailer is homemade, when in fact it is a stolen manufactured trailer with the identifying features hidden or ground off. Thieves count on the buyer being in a hurry to negotiate the best price and not prepared to properly check paperwork and other identifying numbers.

Historically, more vehicle thefts and burglaries occur in Texas during summer months, which is why the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) have declared July "Watch Your Car Month."

During "Watch Your Car Month," representatives within 29 vehicle crime task forces funded by ABTPA will be working in their communities to remind Texas drivers to protect their vehicles and possessions to avoid falling victim to thieves.

Drivers should remember that thieves will strike where you are most likely to leave vehicles and can include homes, malls, gyms, movie theaters, hotels, and even places of worship!

For additional tips on preventing vehicular crime, or on information about "Watch Your Car Month"; contact your local Auto Theft Task Force, visit www.txdmv.gov or call 800-CAR-WATCH for further information on how not to become a victim of vehicular crimes.

http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/consumer-protection/auto-theft-prevention