VIN CLONING - What's next?

Couldn't believe my ears when I heard this one. The crooks are more creative all the time and this one takes the prize.

Seems the car jacker now steel the whole car, it's faster and easier than piece by piece black market sales. So what's the twist?

Lets say the thief steels your new, black, Cadillac SUV. The twist - he also steels a "VIN" number from another car, exactly like the stolen SUV. Next he "clones" the stolen VIN number into the stolen car. Now the stolen car is ready for resale. These vehicles are showing up on used car lots and are certainly from for sale by owners.

The real kicker - now there are two victims.

It may take some time but eventually the stolen car is found, however now found with another VIN number, your VIN number. And this new VIN number is now on two cars, on your black SUV in your driveway and on the stolen SUV. That is not the bad part - wait - because your car, the one you bought legally and have been paying for monthly is now involved in a crime, it is impounded as being part of a crime - and you can't do anything about it!

How to protect yourself? In this instance, simply cover your VIN number with a piece of paper when you park in mall lots or anywhere for that matter. Do not alter your VIN number, just cover it, now you can avoid this latest scam.

The moral of the story, don't be victimized easily and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

We encourage your comments and questions. Contact us at www.minocquamortgage.com or marcia@minocquamortgage.com.