What is VIN Swapping?
VIN swapping is a fraudulent practice where a criminal replaces the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a stolen or damaged vehicle with the VIN of a different vehicle. This allows the criminal to sell the stolen or damaged vehicle as if it were the legitimate vehicle with the swapped VIN.
VIN Swapping in Illinois
In Illinois, VIN swapping is a serious crime that can lead to severe legal consequences. It is illegal because it involves intentionally misrepresenting the identity of a vehicle, which can have significant implications for both the buyer and the seller.
Common Signs of VIN Swapping
- Discrepancies in VIN Information: Ensure that the VIN etched into the vehicle’s body matches the VIN on the title, registration, and other documents.
- Tampered VIN: Check for any signs of tampering, such as mismatched rivets, scratches, or a different font on the VIN plate.
- Multiple Owners in a Short Period: A high turnover of owners in a short period might indicate potential issues.
- Seller’s Behavior: Be cautious if the seller seems evasive or reluctant to provide information about the vehicle’s history.
How to Legally Address VIN Swapping Matters in Illinois?
Investigation and Evidence Collection
FS CORPS and law enforcement conduct thorough investigations to uncover evidence of VIN swapping, including analyzing the vehicle’s history and any VIN alterations.
Defense Strategy
FS CORPS meticulously analyzes evidence, challenges fraudulent claims, and develops comprehensive defense strategies for clients dealing with title fraud and related legal issues.
Restoration of Vehicle Title
FS CORPS helps correct vehicle titles and restore legitimate status, ensuring compliance with Illinois title regulations and addressing fraudulent records.
VIN Swapping Expertise
Litigating VIN swapping matters require a multi-layered strategic approach. For VIN swapping matters, we have experience bringing and naming all responsible parties in a lawsuit.
At FS CORPS, based in Illinois, our experienced attorneys specialize in litigating VIN swapping matters. We understand the challenges and urgency of correcting VIN swapping matter and are committed to resolving these issues swiftly and effectively.
Recent VIN Swapping Cases
October 2024
Illinois statutes on VIN swapping protect against vehicle fraud, with key legal insights from the People v. Salem case.
October 2024
Federal law prohibits VIN swapping, a crime disguising stolen vehicles, as highlighted in the United States v. Nagapetian case.