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DMV says I surrendered my car's title in another state

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by JC91006, Mar 27, 2017.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    So the strangest thing happened as I tried to register my 2015 Prius, for it's annual registration. I was told a status change had occurred and I cannot register my car. Called my local DMV and they told me my title was surrendered in another state and the car was sold and re titled.

    Here I'm scratching my head, how is this possible? I have my car here and I have my title. Wth? How did they get my car info if this is a scam? Unless they hacked the Toyota.com website and got all the user information. That's why Toyota recently changed all the log on info...maybe they were hacked.
     
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  2. afob3

    afob3 Member

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    Maybe a typo / clerical entry error with one digit vs yours. Question is did they give you a process to fix it?
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    My state DMV people can't fix this, I have to contact the new state that the car is registered and titled in....Illinois.

    It could be a typo, it could be a fraud transaction that took place with my VIN. Since I rarely drive my 2015 and it has under 10,000 miles. it's a pretty good candidate for fraudsters
     
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  4. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    I am picturing you being forced to register your car in Illinois... :eek: Please keep us posted.
     
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I called Illinois Secretary of state that handles vehicle matters and they told me it was an error on their part. They are suppose to reverse the sale transaction that was done incorrectly using my vin number.

    This was 4 days ago and so far I have not gotten a call back to let me know the error has been fixed. Until then, I can't register my car
     
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  6. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Wow....
    Hope it's a short feature.
    upload_2017-4-1_21-41-13.jpeg
     
  7. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    My state DMV people can't fix this@3. Many local TV newsies (including in LA) have 'troubleshooters' who go after local problems. JC's problem may get chosen for coverage if (s)he chooses to present the case to that path.

    Then, we could assemble with popcorn and wait for developments. Would be quick is my guess.
     
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  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    So I got a call back from the Secretary of state's office from Illinois, they need a law enforcement agency to verify the VIN on my car. I cannot have the dealer or CA DMV do it.

    I feel like they think I'm a criminal

    Called California CHP, they say I need appointment. Left message 2 days to get appointment and still no call back yet. This is stressful
     
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  9. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Maybe they saw picture of your cute little dog.

    By the way that is a very long list of Prius you have...
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    That little doggie is Muggs, and he's harmless.

    Yes I have a long list of Prius, I keep getting opportunities to buy them here in CA. And I'm somewhat of a fan
     
    #10 JC91006, Apr 7, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2017
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  11. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I see you have a PiP now JC. How do you like that? Is there life after Gen2?
     
  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    My daily driver is still a gen2, my 2005 project car.

    I don't care for any of my gen3 cars, except when I have to go on a long road trip. The larger engine is much better on long drives.

    The pip is a lease, only got it for freeway commutes with HOV sticker. Can't do a whole lot with the yearly mileage restriction on the lease. I'll never lease again
     
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  13. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    It may be time to hire a lawyer.

    Bob Wilson
     
  14. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Your tax dollars at work. :(
     
  15. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Who should I being suing?
     
  16. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    May not require an actual lawsuit to be filed, but a lawyer could advise you of the course of action there. (If a lawsuit were required, though, I'd guess it'd be against the State of Illinois.)
     
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  17. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    You don't have to sue anyone. But a lawyer might be able to help you walk thru the legal system that seems to be broken in your case.
     
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  18. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    A letter from a lawyer will get more attention and if necessary, he/she will know how to escalate it.

    The CA DMV has a problem because their refusal to register the car is a form of "taking." As for Illinois, I suspect someone has found a way to "white wash" a stolen Prius. Regardless, a lawyer will know how to handle what needs to be done.

    Bob Wilson
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    unfortunate, if you have to fund a lawyer when you haven't done anything wrong.
     
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  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Thank you all for your advice. My registration is not due until May, hopefully I can get a call back from CA CHP to do the VIN verification this coming week. I think once the VIN is verified, this mess will be over.

    What I don't get is how they produced a fake title to transfer the car in Illinois. A dealer must have done it without the proper paperwork
     
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