Stolen cars - how to check if a car is wanted
Buying a stolen car can end with serious financial loss and even legal problems. Learn how to protect yourself from this scenario and how to check if a car is wanted.
🚨 Important information
If you buy a stolen car - even if you didn't know - the car will be confiscated without compensation. You'll lose both the car and the money paid.
Contents
Statistics on stolen cars
Car theft remains a serious problem in Europe. Here are the numbers:
Many stolen cars are exported to other countries and sold with fake documents.
Consequences of buying a stolen car
What happens if it turns out your car is stolen?
Complete financial loss
The car will be confiscated and returned to the real owner. You won't receive any compensation.
Possible legal problems
You may need to explain where and how you bought the car. Worst case - charges for possession of stolen property.
Car confiscation
Police can confiscate the car at any time - even years after purchase if the car is identified.
How to check if a car is stolen?
Stolen car check is available through several databases:
🌍 Interpol database
International stolen vehicle database with information from 190+ countries. VIN check automatically includes this database.
🇪🇺 EUCARIS (EU registry)
European Union vehicle and driver information system. Available through official channels.
🇱🇻 National databases
Each country has its own stolen car database. In Latvia - through CSDD and police.
VIN check - the simplest solution
Our VIN check automatically checks the car in several international stolen vehicle databases.
Warning signs
These signs may indicate that a car is stolen or has questionable origin:
🔑 Only one key
Usually cars come with 2 keys. If there's only one - ask why.
🔢 Damaged VIN plates
Scratches, repainting or damage near VIN numbers may indicate manipulation.
📄 Document problems
Missing, damaged or suspicious documents. Too new documents for an old car.
💰 Price too low
If price is much lower than market value - there may be a reason.
🔒 Changed locks
New locks or ignition system that doesn't match the car's age.
👤 Suspicious seller behavior
Avoiding questions, rushing, unwillingness to meet at their home.
How to protect yourself?
Follow these steps to avoid buying a stolen car:
Before any purchase discussions, check VIN in international databases.
Compare VIN in documents with VIN on the car. Check document quality and validity.
Don't go to unknown places. Meet at CSDD or a police station.
If something feels wrong - better walk away. There will be other cars.