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Protect Yourself from Auto ReVINing Fraud

We all know that auto theft is a major issue in Canada, with more than 57,0001 vehicles stolen in 2024 alone. Organized crime networks see vehicle theft as a low-risk, high-reward fraud opportunity. The proceeds are used to finance illegal activities, such as domestic drug trafficking and international terrorism.

If a vehicle is stolen, it might be shipped to another country for illegal sale; however, that’s not always the case. Vehicles that stay within Canada are often dismantled in ‘chop shops’ for parts, or reVINed and sold to unsuspecting buyers. CARFAX estimates there are more than 140,0002 vehicles operating with compromised VINs in Canada.

Let’s take a closer look at what it means to reVIN a vehicle, how this growing national problem puts you at risk, and steps you can take to help protect yourself when buying a car.

What it means to reVIN a vehicle

Every vehicle has a Vehicle Identification Number or VIN, which is a 17-character code found on the driver’s side dashboard of your car. This number is like your car’s unique fingerprint and registers important information. Things like the make, model and year, accident and ownership history, vehicle registration, insurance coverage details, and more.

VIN tampering, or reVINing is when criminals try to disguise a stolen vehicle by replacing the original VIN with a fraudulent one to make it appear legitimate. Here are some common ways this scam can be accomplished.

  • ReVINing, original VIN is replaced with a new fraudulent number to sell the car illegally in the domestic market or overseas
  • VIN cloning, an existing legitimate VIN is taken from another vehicle, then cloned and used on the stolen car
  • Made-up VIN, fraudsters create ‘ghost vehicles’ (cars that don't exist) that can be fraudulently insured and then claims made against them

Impact of buying a reVINed vehicle

The risks involved if you buy a reVINed vehicle are substantial. 

  • When a reVINed vehicle is discovered, the customer will be deemed as being in possession of a stolen vehicle, and will have it taken away with no reimbursement for the purchase costs
  • Insurance claims may be denied by insurers as the customer, whether knowingly or unknowingly, was in possession of a stolen vehicle

Research carefully before you buy

  • Inspect the VIN closely, reviewing for consistency in the following places: dashboard, driver’s doorframe, under the hood and frame of car
  • Avoid buying a vehicle privately online and on other platforms without researching the details associated with the vehicle 
  • Buy your vehicles from registered dealerships affiliated with a public regulatory agency accountable to your provincial government, like the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) or Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC)
  • Thoroughly vet anyone trying to sell a car. Know the market value of the car you're looking to buy and be aware of prices that seem too good to be true 
  • Cross-check VIN with the manufacturer, ownership, title and bill of sale
  • Get a professional inspection done with a certified mechanic to see if there are any signs of VIN tampering 
  • Order a vehicle inspection report from CARFAX to better understand the history of the vehicle

Double check the details on the CARFAX report

When reviewing the CARFAX report, ensure there are no inconsistencies with the following details.

  • Year, make, model, colour, body trim, cylinders
  • Lien information, ensure there are no active liens
  • Registration history (including current and past owners) and maintenance locations
  • Mileage discrepancies
  • Registered in different provinces within a short timespan
  • Used vehicle with lack of history, manufacturer, dealer servicing and recall information

Take precautions and watch for red flags

  • If the car is priced too low, it may be a sign that something is off
  • Avoid cash only deals as it makes the sale 'untraceable'
  • Meet in a reputable dealership or location 

Helping you stay informed

Buying your next vehicle is a very exciting time but remember to stay vigilant. TD Insurance is here to support you with helpful tips to help protect you from car theft and reVINing fraud.

1Équité Association's 2024 Auto Theft Trends Report

2CARFAX Canada 2024 Year in Rear View

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