Northeast Texas task force uncovers stolen vehicle with fraudulent VIN

My Texas Daily, By Mathew Richards, February 20, 2025

GREENVILLE, Texas — Investigators from the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force assisted the Hunt County Sheriff's Office in inspecting a 2020 Toyota Highlander suspected of having a fraudulent title. The Hunt County Tax Assessor's Office flagged the vehicle after a suspicious title was presented, prompting further investigation.

The investigation revealed that the vehicle was purchased on Facebook Marketplace for cash at a price below market value. Investigators discovered that the vehicle had undergone a VIN swap, where a fake Vehicle Identification Number was placed on the car. The true VIN was identified and reported as stolen from Dallas, according to the task force.

Authorities urge caution when purchasing vehicles through online marketplaces, advising potential buyers to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

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