CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) – A Nevada man has been arrested after the DMV says he sold a car on Facebook Marketplace with a title and an odometer that had both been tampered with.
The Nevada DMV says they received an online complaint regarding possible odometer fraud. Investigators determined that suspect, who was not named, bought a 2003 Honda Element with more than 260,000 miles for $1,200 and received a Nevada title with the seller’s signature.
The suspect did not sign the buyer’s section of the title. A day later, the car completed a smog test and received a VIN report showing the car had 133,292 miles.
Further investigation revealed the suspect had “title jumped” the ownership claim, and had used the original seller’s name and signature when selling the car just three days after he purchased it by signing a fraudulent name on the bill of sale and pretending to be the original owner with the transfer of the Nevada title to the victim.
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The suspect sold the car for $4,500 using Facebook Marketplace, stating in the ad that the car had 133,000 miles on it.
“It is imperative that we ask buyers to take the extra step and ensure they are purchasing a legitimate vehicle,” said CED Chief J.D. Decker. “Get a photo of the seller’s ID and contact information, and meet at a DMV VIN inspection station, eliminating the possibility of odometer tampering.”
The unnamed suspect is currently facing three felony charges, including unlawful change of mileage, unlawful sale, offer of sale or display for sale of motor vehicle, forgery, and other acts constituting forgery.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet and Yosemite National Park, above the Valley floor, from late tonight until Wednesday afternoon.
Heavy snow is forecast.
The snow levels will initially start out between 6,000 to 7,000 feet tonight, before lowering to 5,500 to 6,500 feet on Tuesday, and then down to 4,500 to 5,500 feet on Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
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Minor accumulations of up to two inches is possible down to 4500 feet. The total snow accumulations above the 7,000 foot elevation, will range from three inches to as much as two feet.
Southwest winds could gust as high as fifty to seventy-five mph along the highest peaks. Such strong winds could cause tree damage.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Persons should delay all travel if possible. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below a quarter of a mile due to falling and blowing snow. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Persons in the Watch Zone are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
