There is a growing phenomenon in Curaçao (see related story) where rental cars are being sold to third parties by criminals who don’t own them. Various companies and individuals reported renting out vehicles to persons only for the latter to then sell these to others and disappear.
After buyers pay the culprits they are unable to have the car they just purchased transferred to their name, because it turns out the seller was not the owner. The fraudsters apparently use forged driver's licences at the rental agency to prevent being identified.
Police suggest a lot of these cases regard transactions initiated online. They stressed the importance of making sure the selling party is rightful owner and mentioned on the vehicle’s documents.
With so many rentals on St. Maarten’s roads, often driven by residents rather than visitors, it’s not inconceivable that the same practice might start occurring here more as well. The car rentals, but especially people who buy vehicles from different sources than recognised dealerships should be aware.
Local authorities have already warned on several occasions, mainly due to car and parts theft, that verification is crucial. This includes checking the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Avoid unpleasant and perhaps costly surprises by doing the necessary homework before any money changes hands, and stay real in terms of pricing. If a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is.
