Livermore man accused of selling stolen cars with swapped VINs: CHP

In July, investigators with the CHP's Northern Foreign Export and Recovery (NoFEAR) team were alerted that there were discrepancies in the registration of a recently registered vehicle, according to the CHP. Investigators found that the vehicle identification number did not match the car's actual VIN and was likely altered to conceal that it was stolen.

Investigators identified a suspect in Livermore, whose name police are currently keeping secret due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities conducted surveillance of the suspect's home and obtained search warrants. NoFEAR members arrived at the home and reportedly found additional stolen vehicles with reversed VINs. The suspect was taken into custody.

In a press release, the CHP warned anyone privately purchasing a used vehicle to be cautious, especially with offers that seem too good to be true. The companies often bring in stolen vehicles from other states, then change their identification numbers and sell them to unsuspecting buyers. When the new owner tries to register the vehicle, they must return it. Since most of these transactions are done with cash, the seller cannot be contacted and is completely lost.