Ep 6. Automotive Scams

"Automotive Scams," the sixth episode of Fraud Squad TV season 2, focuses on the various scams that take place in the automotive industry. From title washing to odometer tampering, the episode explores the numerous ways in which unscrupulous individuals or organizations deceive unknowing buyers and sellers.

The episode begins with a case involving a used car dealership that sells vehicles with tampered odometers. The dealership employs a professional odometer rollback service, which enables them to reduce the mileage on their cars and increase their value. However, this practice is illegal, and the Fraud Squad team is on the case.

In another instance, the team looks into a scam involving title washing. Title washing is the process of altering a car's title to hide its history of damage or lemon law buyback status. Fraudulent sellers will purchase vehicles that have been classed as “lemons” by insurance companies, alter the titles to make it seem as if the car was not involved in any accidents, and then resell the car at a higher cost. Such a scam enables the fraudulent seller to make a quick profit while passing off a potentially dangerous car to unsuspecting buyers.

Another case features an individual who refurbished damaged cars and then sold them at premium prices. The cars would appear to be in perfect condition, but the fraudster would use subpar materials to refurbish the bodywork, interior, and essential car parts. In many instances, he used salvaged parts, which drivers have reported as dangerous, as they often cause accidents or car malfunctions.

Furthermore, the show details a sophisticated auto loan fraud case where a dealership would sell cars to unsuspecting buyers who have bad credit ratings. After receiving down payments from the buyers, the dealership would then change the terms of the loan agreement, resulting in higher interest rates and monthly payments. The Fraud Squad team tracks down these scammers, who are found to have manipulated numerous victims in many states.

The scope of "Automotive Scams" is wide-ranging, with Fraud Squad TV's team discussing numerous cases that span various regions and car manufacturers. The show provides valuable insight into the various scams operating within the automobile industry. Viewers learn about various schemes to buy and sell cars, helping them protect themselves and their wallets in the process.

Overall, "Automotive Scams" is a fascinating and informative episode that takes a deep dive into the automotive industry. From title washing to fraudulent odometer readings, viewers are given an insight into the shady world of car sales and the various ways in which scammers try to prey on unsuspecting victims. The episode provides a cautionary tale for buyers looking to avoid being duped and for those involved in the automotive industry to stay informed of such scams and protect themselves from fraudulent activity.