The Expert Podcast

• Why Vehicle Titles Are Crucial:
  • Vehicle titles are essential for establishing legal ownership and ensuring there are no liens or theft records.
  • Export vehicles from auctions are highly prone to title investigations due to potential fraud or theft.
• Challenges with Stolen Vehicles in the U.S.:
  • Stolen vehicles are flagged in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, making it impossible to title them in any U.S. state.
  • Exporting stolen vehicles to another country bypasses the title issue since foreign systems may not flag stolen VINs.
• Role of Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
  • CBP inspects vehicles leaving the U.S. to prevent stolen or liened vehicles from being exported.
  • Vehicles are often hidden in containers, mislabeled as auto parts, to evade detection.
• How Vehicles Are Detected During Export:
  • Advanced technology like container x-rays and dogs trained to detect vehicles help identify stolen cars.
  • Batches of stolen or liened vehicles are often caught at ports, with some countries like Spain assisting in the detection.
• Why Exporting Vehicles Is Common for Title Fraud:
  • Other countries may not check U.S. VIN records for liens, making it easier to title and sell liened vehicles abroad.
  • High-value vehicles with liens are exported and sold for cash, bypassing U.S. legal and financial restrictions.
• Key Takeaway:
  • Title fraud relies on exploiting the gaps between U.S. and international vehicle title systems.
  • Customs inspections and VIN tracking are critical tools for mitigating title fraud and preventing stolen or liened vehicles from being illegally exported.