Dimapur: Nagaland Police has issued a public advisory to protect citizens from falling victim to fraudulent second-hand car syndicates operating in neighboring states. The advisory comes amid a surge in sophisticated scams targeting buyers, particularly in the border districts of Nagaland.
According to the police, these syndicates employ various tactics to deceive unsuspecting buyers. One common method involves fitting vehicles with GPS trackers. After selling the vehicles, the syndicates often file false First Information Reports (FIRs) and use the GPS data to locate and reclaim the vehicles without the buyer’s knowledge. In some cases, buyers are provided with only a single ignition key, which allows the syndicate members to easily recover the vehicles later.
Another prevalent strategy involves the use of falsified or forged documents, including fake Registration Certificates (RCs), insurance papers, and ownership transfer records, to convince buyers of the vehicle’s legitimacy.
To counter such fraudulent activities, Nagaland Police has advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing second-hand vehicles. Buyers should ensure the authenticity of documents by verifying them with the relevant authorities, such as the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Identity proof of the seller, such as Aadhaar or PAN, should always be sought, and transactions should ideally be conducted with authorized dealerships or verified individuals. The police also recommend insisting on a Sale Deed signed in the presence of witnesses, making payments through traceable digital methods, and obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO and the police station where the vehicle is registered.
Additionally, citizens are urged to report any suspicious activities or fraudulent deals to their local police stations immediately. Nagaland Police emphasized the importance of vigilance and awareness to prevent such crimes, noting that the safety of individuals and their investments should remain a top priority.
“These syndicates are exploiting the lack of awareness among buyers,” the police stated, urging the public to take necessary precautions when purchasing second-hand vehicles, especially from sellers in neighboring states or unverified online platforms.
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