What action should be taken if a customer brings in a vehicle with an altered VIN?

When a vehicle with an altered Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is presented, it is essential to report the discrepancy to law enforcement. The VIN is a critical identifier for vehicles, providing information about the vehicle’s make, model, year, and history. An altered VIN may indicate that the vehicle has been stolen or involved in illegal activities. Therefore, it is not appropriate to ignore the issue or attempt to resolve it by using the VIN from documentation, as that could perpetuate fraudulent practices. Although referring to the DMV is a necessary step to take for official records and compliance, the immediate priority should be to alert law enforcement to handle the legal implications surrounding the altered VIN. Reporting to authorities ensures that proper investigations are conducted, protecting both the consumer and the integrity of the vehicle registration system.