Growing Concern: Fraudulent Vehicle Sales on the Rise
In Metro Detroit and across the United States, car dealerships are facing a troubling trend: fraudulent sales that mimic real transactions. While vehicle theft remains a concern, the rise of identity theft and synthetic identities poses new challenges for dealers as they navigate the complex world of automotive fraud.
As car prices remain high, some criminals are exploiting vulnerabilities through schemes like identity theft and creating fake identities to make fraudulent purchases. In response, many dealerships have begun taking extra precautions, such as hiring private detectives and verifying the identities of buyers, especially for out-of-state transactions.
Consistent Threats
"It’s happening all the time," said Ralph Sorrentino, a vice president at various dealerships in Georgia. "In one of my stores, we see attempts at least once every quarter. And sometimes, it’s much more frequent." Unfortunately, some thieves succeed in their efforts. Annually, Sorrentino reports that a couple of cars fall prey to identity theft-related crimes. While most vehicles are eventually recovered, they often suffer significant damage, having been used for illegal activities or stripped for parts, sometimes turning up as far away as California.
Identity theft happens when someone misuses another person’s personal information, like their name or credit card numbers, to commit fraud. On the other hand, synthetic identity fraud involves the creation of completely false identities or a mix of real and fabricated data, complicating enforcement efforts significantly.
Reports indicate that some dealers hesitate to involve law enforcement when they suspect fraud, making it difficult to gather comprehensive data on the issue.
Worrying Growth in Fraud Cases
Recent statistics highlight a troubling rise in synthetic identity fraud. Detroit secured the unfortunate eighth place for the highest increase in this type of fraud, with a reported jump of 57% in one year. Leading the list was Memphis, Tennessee, with an increase of 127%.
A fraud prevention company, Point Predictive, indicated that auto lenders faced losses amounting to nearly $8 billion due to fraudulent activity in 2023. However, despite decreased loan origination volumes, the rate of fraudulent applications has risen by 6% compared to the previous year, with early data for 2024 suggesting continued upward trends.
“Dealers are being hit hard,” remarked Frank McKenna, co-founder of Point Predictive. He noted that many criminals who exploited pandemic assistance programs during COVID-19 have since turned their attention to vehicle fraud.
A Targeted Industry
Auto lenders have become the primary targets for synthetic identity fraud. The ongoing chip shortages and pandemic-related challenges have led to limited vehicle inventories, significantly pushing prices higher. Kelley Blue Book reported average vehicle transaction prices reaching $48,273 in November 2023, marking a 1.5% rise from year prior.
Some automakers like General Motors are actively implementing measures to counter this rising issue. Their online platform enforces identity verification before customers can finalize transactions. Meanwhile, Ford did not respond to inquiries regarding their efforts to combat fraud.
Long Delays in Detection
Losses from vehicle fraud often extend beyond the initial theft. Criminals may use stolen cars for various illicit activities, and detecting such fraud can take weeks or even months. Often, dealers bear the financial brunt of these scams, leading to increased insurance rates and challenges in competitive pricing.
“They get marked as easy targets, and they can end up losing multiple vehicles before realizing it,” McKenna said, highlighting the pressing need for vigilance.
Certain models, such as the Range Rover Velar and the Ram 3500 Crew Cab, have reportedly faced higher rates of fraud, illustrating a clear preference among thieves for high-value vehicles.
Navigating the Challenges
While some synthetic identity users may not have theft in mind, misusing personal data for purchases is still a crime. Convicting fraudsters can be complicated, especially when there is no clear victim to report the crime.
Sgt. Darren Schlosser of the Houston Police Department emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement, dealers, and lenders. “As fraud continues to rise, we’re seeing better collaboration,” Schlosser noted. However, he also acknowledged that smaller police departments might struggle with resources when addressing vehicle fraud cases.
To combat these challenges, Schlosser advised dealers, particularly those operating nationally, to implement additional measures like requiring buyers to show identification and hold video calls to finalize sales.
Stricter Protocols in Play
Some dealerships, like Sorrentino’s, have proactively collaborated with private investigators and local law enforcement to combat this growing threat. Implementing strict protocols has become crucial in identifying and preventing fraud attempts.
Similarly, Randy Dye, owner of a dealership in Daytona, Florida, shared that they have heightened their scrutiny during transactions, especially for out-of-state buyers. Hiring third-party notaries to verify identities has become a standard practice for them.
Point Predictive, which monitors a significant volume of auto loan applications, asserts that training dealership staff on fraud identification is vital. “If you haven’t faced it yet, you likely will,” McKenna warned.
As the automotive industry grapples with these increasing threats, staying informed and prepared is essential for all dealers to protect their businesses and customers.
