New Carfax Research Shows Title Washing Is Growing
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Emerging Scam Now Plagues Nearly 800,000 Used Cars Nationwide
CENTREVILLE, VA -- Aug. 26, 2014: A dangerous scam that hides major problems with used cars from consumers is on the rise. According to new research from Carfax, nearly 800,000 used cars lurking on America's roads right now may be part of an emerging fraud called title washing. What's also alarming is that more than 500 are likely being used as taxis. Consumers in New Jersey, North Carolina, Mississippi, California and Georgia are most at risk, but thousands of title washed cars are in every state.
Title washing makes rebuilt wrecks and cars with odometer issues look like problem-free used cars on paper. Professional con men illegally alter vehicle documents to get title brands such as 'salvage' or 'flood' removed from a car's title. They'll often patch up the wrecked cars, move them to other states and sell them with a clear title to unsuspecting buyers. Victims can lose thousands and put their lives at risk purchasing used cars with washed titles.
"Our research is clear evidence that title washing continues to fly under the consumer's radar," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "These cars are sold mainly by perfect strangers who bank on you not taking the proper steps to protect yourself. Demand more information than just the car's title from any seller and shop at places where vehicle history information is readily available, like the all-new Carfax.com. Knowing what you buy and who you buy from are equally important to help avoid dangerous schemes like title washing."
Every Motor Vehicle Department in the U.S. and Canada reports branded titles to Carfax. With this information, consumers get unprecedented protection from Carfax to help identify and avoid hidden problems. Car buyers and sellers can rest assured they'll know about reported title brands under the exclusive Carfax Buyback Guarantee. Plus, Carfax Vehicle History Reports alert people to cases of potential title washing. An inspection by a certified, trusted mechanic is also recommended before buying any used car.
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State By State Title Washed Vehicles
New Jersey 77096 North Carolina 74266 Mississippi 57213 California 48411 Georgia 39603 Texas 37431 Virginia 34700 Washington 30697 Tennessee 25413 Illinois 22749 Oregon 21419 Maryland 21101 Kentucky 17761 Michigan 16889 Minnesota 15817 Alabama 15801 Arizona 15331 New York 14304 South Carolina 13729 Missouri 13213 Kansas 12174 Colorado 10173 Florida 10102 Massachusetts 9588 Oklahoma 9159 Pennsylvania 8836 Louisiana 8790 Wisconsin 8286 Indiana 7718 New Mexico 7242 South Dakota 6063 Arkansas 5688 Connecticut 5099 Montana 4808 Nebraska 4710 Ohio 4707 West Virginia 4197 Utah 4087 Iowa 4053 Idaho 3886 Rhode Island 3284 Nevada 2423 North Dakota 2323 Delaware 1933 Maine 1718 Wyoming 1672 Vermont 1612 Hawaii 1501 Alaska 1381 District of Columbia 1089 New Hampshire 994