But I Didn’t Know It Was Stolen . . .

While scammers seem to get more and more clever every day, here’s a checklist of tips to help you avoid buying a stolen car in Mexico.

• Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You’ll find it on the dashboard, driver’s side door, and engine. It should match the number on the tarjeta de circulación (registration card), factura (original invoice), and any other paperwork.

• Consult the government database, REPUVE (repuve.gob.mx), to check if the car is reported as stolen. If it says “Con reporte de robo”, the car has been flagged as stolen.

• Always ask for the factura original — the car’s “birth certificate” in Mexico. Copies or refacturas (resale invoices) can be legit but require more caution.

• Make sure the seller’s name matches the factura or that they have clear paperwork showing the transfer of ownership…..

Want to learn more? 👉 Find our complete list here PLUS a handy checklist you can save and share with anyone you know who is thinking about buying a used car in Mexico!

— from The Riviera Maya Roundup