The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has unveiled six clear warning signs to help Ghanaians avoid buying stolen vehicles. This guidance comes due to rising concerns over sophisticated carjacking syndicates bringing stolen cars into Ghana via online platforms, and coordinated efforts with the FBI and Ghana Police Service have already led to the seizure of over 100 vehicles and multiple arrests.
1. Popular, High-Value Models Are Common Targets
Luxury and high-resale-value vehicles are especially vulnerable to these tricks. EOCO specifically highlighted models like the Honda CR-V, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Range Rover, and BMW X7/X8 as repeatedly targeted by thieves. This should be an eye opener for buyers these days.
2. Sellers Who Dodge Questions or Hide Their Identity
A legitimate seller should openly share vehicle history and proper identification. If the seller is evasive or uncooperative, it’s a major red flag that should be noted.
3. Paperwork That Looks Fishy or Altered
Inspect all documents carefully, especially titles and customs forms. Signs of tampering with the VIN, such as deletion, alteration, or mismatches, should raise immediate concerns.
4. Physical Discrepancies in the Vehicle
By way of looking beyond the exterior, check for missing parts like rear-view mirrors (often housing GPS trackers) and verify that VINs in various spots—dashboard, engine bay, seatbelt area—are consistent. Any mismatch is a warning sign that should be taken seriously.
5. Unbelievably Low Price of Vehicle
If a vehicle’s price is significantly below market value—especially by hundreds of thousands of dollars—beware. Deals that look too good to be true often are.
6. Double-Check with Authorities
Before finalizing any purchase, particularly if concerns arise, consult EOCO or INTERPOL for verification. While free services like VinReportsPro, VinCheckUp, and EpicVIN exist, they may not be as robust as official checks—and remember: in Ghana, knowingly possessing a stolen vehicle is a crime.
Why Does This Matter?
This checklist from EOCO is more than a caution. It a buyer’s essential toolkit for due diligence. A little effort also saves money, disgrace and future consequences.