Kansas City, KS – Troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol are warning Kansas and Missouri vehicle shoppers this week after recovering a stolen 2020 Chevrolet Silverado that had been sold on Facebook Marketplace using a duplicate Missouri title. Investigators say the buyer paid $7,000 in cash for the truck, along with a promise of future installment payments, before learning the vehicle was part of a multistate auto theft case.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, VIN inspectors became suspicious during an inspection when the displayed identification number indicated the truck was a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado instead of the 2020 model the buyer believed they purchased. After further review by troopers and specialized VIN inspectors, the number was determined to be fraudulent.
Investigators traced the fraudulent VIN to a legitimate Chevrolet currently titled in California. The actual Silverado on scene—a 2020 model—had been reported stolen out of Dallas, Texas earlier this year.
Troopers say the case highlights a growing issue involving cloned vehicles, fake VINs, and duplicate-paperwork scams targeting buyers searching for lower-cost used vehicles online. Officials warn that cash-only deals, out-of-state duplicate titles, and urgency from sellers are all red flags buyers should take seriously.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is urging residents to verify titles, request full VIN histories, and conduct inspections through official channels before purchasing a vehicle, especially through private-party listings on social media platforms.
Residents can find additional information on cloned vehicles and buyer safety tips at the Kansas Highway Patrol’s official website.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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