AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a press release on Thursday, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office announced that they have successfully retrieved four stolen trucks whose vehicle identification numbers (VINs) were duplicated.
VIN-cloned vehicles seem genuine since the VIN corresponds with a vehicle not listed as stolen," stated HCSO Deputy Bryant Cuadros in the statement. "These particular GMC Denalis were marked as stolen by the Dallas Police Department, the Houston Police Department, and an enforcement agency based in Connecticut.
The trucks were listed on Facebook Marketplace at prices well below their market value. Altogether, the four trucks had an estimated worth of $220,000, as reported by HCSO.
Cuadros stated in the announcement that the HCSO would continue investigating the thefts and urged individuals with relevant information to reach out to the agency via phone at 512-393-7800. Additionally, anonymous tip submissions from the community could be made through an available channel. Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-8477.
Avoiding ‘hot’ wheels
Purchases from individual sellers come with potential hazards, and the HCSO advises that consumers approach what seem like great bargains on social networking sites with caution. They also cautioned against low-ball cash offers under market price as well as cars bearing titles not issued locally.
The Auto Theft Unit of the HCSO provides complimentary inspections for a vehicle’sVIN; these appointments can be scheduled via telephone at 512-393-7814. Additionally, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles handles related matters. provides a title verification utility .
The HCSO additionally suggests looking up the VIN online to determine if it is associated with a dealership, and verifying whether the vehicle’s "infotainment system" has GPS enabled when you buy the car.
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