The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), as part of its intensified efforts against stolen vehicles and organised crime, has outlined six easy steps to help identify stolen cars in Ghana.

The agency cautioned that prospective car buyers must conduct due diligence before making any purchase on the Ghanaian market.

Stolen Cars: Here are four car brands to be highly suspicious of - EOCO warns

According to a report by myjoyonline.com, the Head of Legal at EOCO, Leo Antony Siamah, detailed the six critical checks every buyer must undertake when acquiring a vehicle.

1. High-value vehicle brands are prime targets

EOCO flagged certain luxury brands and high-value models as common targets for car thieves due to their high resale value and ease of theft. Some of the brands listed include Honda CR-V, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Range Rover, and the BMW X7 and X8 series.

2. Evasive or uncooperative sellers

Buyers were advised to be cautious of sellers who avoid questions or fail to provide personal identification. A legitimate seller should be able to explain the vehicle’s history and provide the necessary documentation.

3. Irregular or tampered documentation

EOCO urged buyers to carefully inspect all vehicle documents, such as the title and customs declaration forms, and ensure their authenticity.

4. Inconsistencies in the vehicle’s physical state

Physical irregularities can also be a red flag. For example, a missing rear-view mirror, which typically houses a GPS tracker, may indicate tampering.

Additionally, Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) located in different parts of the car, such as the dashboard, engine, and seatbelt area, must match. Any discrepancy could suggest the car is stolen.

5. Unrealistic pricing

Siamah warned that vehicles offered at prices far below their market value should raise suspicion. For instance, if a car valued at $400,000 to $500,000 is sold for just $100,000, it is most likely fraudulent.

6. Cross-check with authorities

Finally, EOCO advised buyers to verify vehicles with relevant authorities such as EOCO itself or INTERPOL before purchase. Although free websites like VinReportsPro, VinCheckUp, and EpicVIN may offer some checks, they are not as reliable as official agencies.

EOCO further cautioned that purchasing stolen vehicles is a criminal offence that could land unsuspecting buyers in jail.

SSD/MA