Stamford Police Warn Residents Of Vehicle Fraud

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Police Department is warning residents about incidents of vehicle fraud, specifically involving stolen motor vehicles and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) swapping.

Police there has been a "sharp uptick" in vehicle fraud cases over the past several months in Stamford and neighboring towns, with people unknowingly purchasing stolen, used vehicles.

VIN swapping, or "cloning," occurs when a vehicle's identification number and accompanying stamps are removed or replaced with a different number, police said.

"This is done not only by changing the stamp on the body or engine of the vehicle, but often also reprogramming the new or false VIN onto the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU), making it difficult to detect by anyone inspecting the vehicle by way of computer," Stamford police said in a news release.

In April and May, Stamford investigators seized a total of 17 vehicles that had been stolen in other towns and cloned for resale, police said, noting the seizure was the highest ever reported with a total recovery amount estimated at over $500,000.

"Many of those affected had no idea they were in possession of a stolen motor vehicle and were merely victims of fraud," police said.

Investigations into each case have uncovered that several of the cloned vehicles had been marketed and sold via Facebook Marketplace, according to police.

The most common vehicle makers were Dodge and Honda. A total of five Honda CRVs were seized, police noted, and it's believed that model is relatively easier to clone.

Police said a potential indicator that a vehicle has been swapped is the vehicle key.

"If the vehicle key or key fob provided by the seller appears to be aftermarket or made by a company other than the vehicle maker and the 'valet' key within the key fob has not yet been cut to match the ignition of the vehicle, it could be possible the vehicle has been cloned," police said. "The vehicle seller will often only provide one key."

Residents are being urged to take independent measures to protect themselves when purchasing a used vehicle.

When purchasing a vehicle privately or through social media, have the vehicle checked by an independent mechanic, local DMV, as well as database websites such as CarFax and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to ensure the VIN has not been cloned or swapped.

Anyone who feels they may have been scammed can contact the SPD's crimes against property unit at 203-977-4407, or email Sgt. Damien Rosa at drosa@stamfordct.gov.