Nagaland Police has issued a crucial public advisory to safeguard citizens from falling prey to fraudulent second-hand car syndicates operating in neighboring states. This alert follows a surge in sophisticated scams that have primarily targeted buyers in Nagaland’s border districts.
Sophisticated Scams Targeting Buyers
These car syndicates employ deceptive tactics to trick unsuspecting buyers. One common method involves installing GPS trackers in vehicles. After selling the cars, the fraudsters file false First Information Reports (FIRs) claiming theft and use GPS to track and reclaim the vehicles without the buyer’s knowledge. Often, buyers are only provided with a single ignition key, making it easier for the syndicate to retrieve the vehicle.
Another scheme involves using forged documents such as fake Registration Certificates (RCs), insurance papers, and ownership transfer records, all designed to mislead buyers into believing the vehicle is legitimate.
Precautions for Buyers
To protect against such scams, Nagaland Police has advised buyers to follow these safety measures:
- Verify Documents: Always cross-check vehicle documents with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to ensure authenticity.
- Identity Proof: Request the seller’s identity proof, such as Aadhaar or PAN card.
- Sale Deed: Conduct transactions with a legally binding Sale Deed signed in the presence of witnesses.
- Digital Payments: Make payments through traceable digital methods for accountability.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Obtain a valid NOC from the RTO and the police station where the vehicle is registered.
- Authorized Sellers: Only purchase vehicles from authorized dealerships or verified sellers.
Reporting Suspicious Activities
Nagaland Police has urged citizens to report any suspicious transactions or fraudulent car sales to their nearest police station immediately. “Awareness and vigilance are crucial in combating these scams,” stated the police, highlighting the need for buyers to be proactive in safeguarding their investments.
Protecting Public Interests
“These syndicates exploit the lack of awareness among buyers,” the advisory stated. To prevent such crimes, buyers are encouraged to be cautious when purchasing second-hand vehicles, especially from sellers in neighboring states or on unverified online platforms.
With these preventive measures, Nagaland Police aims to curb the rise in second-hand car fraud and protect the public from financial loss.