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Motor Vehicle Fraud Prevention

Boulder County Motor Vehicle offices are open Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Fridays. Appointments are required for in-person services. Registration renewals need to be completed online, by mail or drop box, or at a self-service kiosk and are not an in-person service.

Colorado Department of Revenue DMV warns of impersonating scam messages!
The Colorado DMV does not send unsolicited texts demanding payment or requesting personal information. Read more about the scams on the Colorado DMV website.

Motor Vehicle Fraud Prevention

Motor vehicle fraud is becoming increasingly common and takes many different forms. As scammers become more sophisticated, it becomes more difficult to avoid falling victim to a scam. We want to help you become a savvy consumer and hopefully protect yourself and protect some of your biggest assets: your vehicles.

Here are some of the most common types of motor vehicle fraud we see, how to look out for these types of fraud, and what to do if you think you might be a fraud victim.

Title Fraud

Title fraud occurs when someone changes a title or vehicle to misrepresent or obscure facts about the car or who owns it. They might change the mileage on a title, change the vehicle identification number (VIN), or change the “brand” of a title (e.g. removing a salvage brand). Purchasing a vehicle from an individual can mean you get a good deal, but you should take extra steps to make sure the deal isn’t too good to be true.

Avoiding Title Fraud

  1. Perform a VINCheck look up – This free service from the National Insurance Crime Bureau will check the VIN to determine if a vehicle has been stolen or has been branded as a salvage vehicle. You can also look up the vehicle on the State of Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Verification System.
  2. Purchase a Vehicle History Report – This report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) provides information including the current state of a title, last title date, salvage and total loss history, odometer reading, and brand history.
  3. Make sure the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the vehicle – Look in multiple places. The VIN can usually be found stamped into a plate mounted on the driver’s side of the dashboard near the corner where the windshield and dash meet, on the driver-side door jamb, or stamped on the engine.
  4. Trust your instincts – If a used vehicle deal sounds too good to be true, don’t be afraid to walk away.

What to do if You are a Victim of Title Fraud

  • Contact Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit to determine if your case meets the requirements for an investigation by calling 303-205-8383 or emailing dor_investigationsunit@state.co.us.
  • Schedule an appointment with CO State Patrol to begin the Bond for Title process.
  • If you are starting the Bond for Title process, we also recommend you make an appointment with one of our motor vehicle offices. We can provide more information about this process and provide a bonding packet.

Odometer Fraud

Odometer fraud is the disconnection, resetting, or alteration of a vehicle’s odometer with the intent to change the number of miles indicated. NHTSA estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings.

Avoiding Odometer Fraud

  • Carefully examine the mileage notation on the title – If the mileage notation seems obscured or is not easy to read, it could have been erased or altered, which means the title is no longer valid and will not be accepted by Motor Vehicle.
  • Compare the mileage on the title with the vehicle’s odometer – Compare the mileage on the odometer with mileage from maintenance or inspection records. Search for oil change and maintenance stickers on windows or door frames, in the glove box, or under the hood. Look for discrepancies that might raise red flags.
  • Purchase a Vehicle History Report – This report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) provides information including the current state of a title, last title date, salvage and total loss history, odometer reading, and brand history.

If it seems unusual, ask questions!

Motor Vehicle Division

DMV Scam Texts

Our office and the Colorado Department of Revenue DMV have seen an uptick in the number of scam texts being reported by members of the public. The Colorado DMV does not send unsolicited texts demanding payment or requesting personal information. Read more about the scams on the Colorado DMV website.

Fake Dealership and Government Websites

Customers should always be on the lookout for websites that appear to offer DMV services but are not affiliated with the Colorado DMV. These third-party sites often display sponsored ads or small disclaimers — typically at the top or bottom of the page — stating they are not connected to any government agency.

Additionally, recent reports from nearby states highlight growing online dealership scams targeting customers shopping for vehicles. Fraudulent websites may mimic legitimate dealerships or operate solely online, offering deals that seem too good to be true. In one case, a buyer wired money for a “great deal” and traveled out of state to pick up the vehicle, only to discover the dealership was fake and the seller had vanished.

Avoiding Fake Dealership and Government Websites

  • Verify a dealer license through the state’s Motor Vehicle licensing board
  • Complete internet searches for duplicated sites and ensure you are accessing the real one
  • Only conduct DMV business with our website or the Colorado DMV (dmv.colorado.gov)

Emissions Fraud

Emissions fraud can include using devices to cheat an emissions test, falsifying an emissions certificate, or tampering with a vehicle’s emissions control system. Colorado law requires a new emissions inspection when a gas-powered vehicle that is seven years old or older changes ownership (four years or older if diesel-powered). If you are purchasing a vehicle that requires emissions testing, you must have a valid, unused passing emissions certificate in order to register it.

Tampering with emissions systems is prohibited under both state and federal law, regardless of whether a vehicle is registered in an emissions-required area. Unfortunately, fraudulent emissions certificates have become more common. Some individuals who fail their emissions test may attempt to purchase a counterfeit passing certificate online and present it at the DMV.

Avoiding Emissions Fraud

  • When buying a used vehicle, consider having a trusted mechanic inspect it for damage and verify that its emissions control systems are intact and functioning properly.
  • Check the emissions test history of a vehicle online.
  • Learn the warning signs of a fake emissions certificate, including:
    • Missing or inconsistent information
    • Unusual or mismatched fonts
    • Test numbers, VIN, or other identifying information that appears altered or manipulated

License Plate and Document Fraud

Leaving your license plates on a sold vehicle or storing your title inside your car can put you at risk for fraud and liability. Plates (including temporary plates) are tied to the registered owner, so they can be used to rack up tolls, receive tickets, or even be linked to criminal activity. Similarly, keeping your vehicle title in the car makes it vulnerable to theft, which could allow someone to attempt a fraudulent transfer of ownership.

Avoiding License Plate and Document Fraud

  • You should never store your title in the vehicle. Keep it with other important documents in your house or another safe location.
  • If you purchased a new car, be sure to cut up or shred temporary plates before throwing them away.
  • If you’re selling a car, remove your license plates before the sale
    • Return regular plates to your county motor vehicle office or recycle them
    • Transfer personalized or specialty plates, if desired
  • Complete a Bill of Sale when selling to a private party
  • Fill out a Report of Release of Liability with the DMV

What to do if your title or license plates are stolen

  • File a police report with law enforcement
  • Immediately schedule an appointment with our office to request replacement license plates
  • Replacements for stolen titles, registration, stickers, or disability placards can be requested online

Ten Tips for Preventing Motor Vehicle Fraud

  1. See the car in person – Scammers often use fake photos and descriptions online. Never send money or make a purchase without seeing the car in person.
  2. Verify the VIN – Compare the VIN on the car, title, and vehicle history report. A mismatch could indicate a stolen vehicle or other fraud.
  3. Verify the vehicle is not stolen – Use the DMV’s Motor Vehicle Verification System
  4. Obtain a vehicle history report – A vehicle history report from a reputable source like Carfax or AutoCheck can reveal past accidents, damage, title issues, and other important information.
  5. Get a professional inspection – Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before you make a purchase.
  6. Get a bill of sale – A bill of sale establishes the sale and protects you if the vehicle is later found to be stolen or has issues.
  7. Beware of low-ball pricing – Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. A very low price could be a sign of a scam or hidden issues.
  8. Avoid unusual payment methods – Scammers often use wire transfers, prepaid cards, or other unconventional payment methods. Bank transfers and cashier’s checks are more secure payment options.
  9. Be suspicious of pressure tactics – If a seller is pressuring you to buy quickly or avoid inspections, be wary.
  10. Ask questions and get everything in writing.

Contact Us

Motor Vehicle Division

7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Thursday
Closed Fridays

Motor Vehicle Homepage
Contact Us Form
Contáctenos - Formulario en línea

Phone: 303-413-7710
Fax: 303-413-7706

Office / 24-Hour Drop Box Locations

If submitting paperwork via drop box, please place documents in a folder or envelope marked “Motor Vehicle” and include your contact information.

1750 33rd St., Boulder
24-Hour Drop Box: Stand-alone box outside doors on parking lot side

1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette
24-Hour Drop Box: Slot on exterior wall to the right of the main doors

529 Coffman St., Longmont
24-Hour Drop Box: Stand-alone box outside entrance doors

Mailing Address

1750 33rd St., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80301

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