The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has released a guide to help Ghanaians avoid buying stolen cars, as vehicle fraud cases continue to rise across the country.

The move comes amid growing concerns over car theft, following joint operations between the FBI and EOCO that have led to the seizure of more than 100 stolen vehicles smuggled from the United States into Ghana. Several arrests have also been made.

Authorities say criminal networks are exploiting online platforms and unsuspecting buyers, making it increasingly difficult for car dealers and individuals to detect stolen vehicles.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, August 26, EOCO’s Head of Legal, Leo Antony Siamah, outlined six warning signs buyers should watch out for:

1. Targeted Vehicle Brands

High-value cars are prime targets for syndicates. Popular models like the Honda CR-V, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Range Rover, and BMW X7 and X8 are frequently stolen due to their strong resale value.

2. Evasive Sellers

A seller unwilling to provide personal identification or clear details about a car’s history should raise suspicion. Genuine sellers are usually transparent and cooperative.

3. Suspicious Paperwork

Buyers are urged to carefully examine vehicle documents such as titles and customs forms. Any alteration or tampering of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a major red flag.

4. Physical Irregularities

A thorough inspection of the car is crucial. Warning signs include missing rear-view mirrors (often housing GPS trackers) and mismatched VIN numbers across different parts of the vehicle.

5. Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing

Vehicles offered at prices far below market value should be treated with caution. For instance, a car worth $400,000 being sold for $100,000 is a likely indicator of theft.

6. Verification with Authorities

EOCO encourages buyers to cross-check vehicles with official agencies such as EOCO or INTERPOL before making payments. While verification may attract a cost, it is safer than losing money or facing prosecution—for buying a stolen car.

Mr Siamah noted that free online VIN check websites such as VinReportsPro, VinCheckUp, and EpicVIN exist, but stressed they may not be as thorough as checks conducted by official agencies.

If You Suspect a Stolen Car

Buyers who later discover that their vehicle may have been stolen are advised to immediately report the matter to EOCO or INTERPOL and provide all details of the seller and the transaction. Continuing to use or resell a stolen car, he warned, could result in prosecution.

The issue recently gained public attention when Wanderlust Ghana, a travel group, was forced to suspend its 30,000-kilometre road adventure in November 2024 after two of its vehicles were flagged as stolen in Congo. The incident underscored the complex risks buyers face and how even well-intentioned individuals can become victims of international car theft syndicates.

EOCO’s new guidelines aim to protect the public while tightening the noose on criminal networks exploiting Ghana’s car market.