Astoria, OR – The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) is warning residents about a new scam that involves the use of counterfeit Manufacturer Certificates of Origin (MCOs) to obtain titles for stolen vehicles. This fraudulent activity has been on the rise and poses a significant threat to consumers and law enforcement alike.
An MCO is an important document issued by vehicle manufacturers, certifying the original ownership of a vehicle. It contains essential details such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, and year of production. The certificate is typically used to register a new vehicle with the state and ensure that it is legally recognized.
According to Oregon DMV officials, scammers are using several methods to create fake MCOs. In some cases, they are altering printed information on legitimate MCOs to match the VIN of stolen vehicles. In other instances, criminals are creating entirely fraudulent MCOs, downloading templates from the internet and populating them with false information. These counterfeit documents often list a manufacturer’s name and an out-of-state dealer or distributor as the first buyer, making them appear authentic.
The scam enables thieves to register stolen vehicles as if they were legitimate, allowing them to sell the vehicles to unsuspecting buyers or use them for illegal purposes. The DMV is urging Oregonians to be extra cautious when purchasing vehicles, particularly when the MCO is involved. Buyers should verify that the MCO matches the vehicle’s VIN and other details and ensure that the document is issued by a reputable manufacturer.
Law enforcement agencies are also being alerted to the growing problem, as the fraudulent MCOs complicate efforts to trace stolen vehicles and identify those responsible for the thefts.
To protect themselves, buyers are encouraged to conduct thorough research before making a vehicle purchase, including checking the vehicle’s history and consulting trusted dealerships or experts. The Oregon DMV has also advised individuals to report any suspicious MCOs or vehicle transactions to authorities.
As the scam continues to evolve, the DMV reminds residents to remain vigilant and always verify the authenticity of documents before completing a vehicle sale or registration.
