Carfax Canada introduces new tool to combat VIN fraud

Carfax Canada has launched a new tool that will alert Ontario auto dealers if a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) has been involved in potential fraud.

The tool VIN Fraud Check will allow auto dealers to verify if a vehicle has been stolen in North America or has been involved in VIN fraud before being sold to buyers.

“By working closely with vehicle dealers, local police, and the provincial government, we’re equipping Canadian dealers with the tools they need to detect and avoid potential VIN fraud,” said Shawn Vording, President of Carfax Canada.

Carfax Canada estimates that approximately 127,000 Ontario registered vehicles have been potentially cloned across North America.

This initiative comes after the Ontario government introduced new legislation last year to combat auto theft.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, a new provincial offence was created that imposes fines of up to $100,000 or jail time on drivers who are convicted of knowingly providing a false VIN when applying for a vehicle permit.

“Auto theft remains a serious crime in Halton region and beyond. It is largely driven by organized crime groups that stop at nothing to evade police detection, including VIN cloning to resell stolen vehicles for profit to fuel additional criminal activities,” said Jeff Hill, Deputy Chief of Regional Operations, Halton Regional Police Service.

The organization says VIN Fraud Check comes at no extra cost to participating dealers and will provide a “critical layer of protection in the used vehicle market.”

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