In Part 1, we explored the growing threat of VIN fraud and why awareness matters. Now, let's turn to practical solutions that can protect your dealership and build customer trust.
Buyers who are familiar with VIN fraud aren't sitting idle. Most (57%) are already taking steps to protect themselves — whether it’s checking ownership records or matching a VIN to a vehicle’s documentation.
This means that savvy consumers are scanning listings and visiting dealerships with fraud detection practices on their checklist.
When we asked buyers how VIN fraud checks would affect their purchasing habits, the results were striking: eight in ten (81%) said they would feel significantly or somewhat more confident purchasing from a seller who clearly advertised a practice of checking for VIN fraud on every vehicle.
Offering increased protection for your customers can be a powerful market differentiator.
Effective VIN fraud detection requires going beyond visual inspections and paperwork. Dealerships have varying levels of familiarity with VIN fraud. In a recent survey with dealership representatives across Canada, we found that while most are at least moderately familiar (64%), nearly one in five are not at all familiar with the term. If managers and staff are operating in the dark on VIN fraud, each vehicle in your lot is carrying unnecessary risk.
A comprehensive approach should include:
With a verification practice in place, make sure your customers know by marketing VIN Fraud Checks prominently on your website and listings, training sales staff to explain your process, and providing documentation showing the checks performed on each vehicle.
VIN fraud detection isn't just about customer confidence — it's also about protecting your dealership from financial losses and reputational damage. By implementing a comprehensive verification process and communicating your commitment to customer protection, you're building trust, creating safer transactions, and standing out from your competitors.