Toronto, Ontario -- CARFAX Canada is releasing a digital tool designed to protecting Canadian car buyers and dealers from vehicle identification number fraud.
The VIN Fraud Check alerts dealerships if a vehicle’s VIN shows signs of tampering or if the vehicle has been reported stolen anywhere in North America. The feature, which is integrated into the CARFAX Canada dealer portal, is available at no additional cost to participating vehicle dealers who use the company’s vehicle history reports.
Last year, 69,000 vehicles were reported as stolen in Canada. CARFAX Canada estimates there are approximately 127,000 Ontario-registered VINs that have been cloned and are circulating across North America. VIN cloning is a tactic often used by organized crime groups to disguise stolen vehicles and resell them fraudulently.
“VIN Fraud Check is the latest in our suite of data-driven solutions aimed at protecting Canadians and ensuring safer vehicle transactions,” said Shawn Vording, president of CARFAX Canada, during a press event held on Wednesday. “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.”
The initiative follows an industry roundtable hosted by the Province of Ontario in which government officials and auto industry leaders highlighted the need for collaborative, tech-driven solutions to address rising incidents of vehicle fraud.
“Thanks to CARFAX Canada for this incredible new tool,” said Zee Hamid, Ontario’s associate solicitor general for auto theft and bail reform during the event. “Combined with the hard work of law enforcement and the support of our government, it will make our cars—and our communities—safer.”
The tool has also been endorsed by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, which regulates motor vehicle sales in the province.
“The launch of CARFAX Canada VIN Fraud Check further supports the automotive industry’s dedication to consumer protection,” said Maureen Harquail, chief executive officer and registrar of OMVIC during the event. “This is one tool that can provide dealers with crucial data to help ensure vehicle transactions are more secure.”
