Auto Dealer Fraud (TX)
In December 2024, I traded in my vehicle. However, on January 2, 2025, I received a call from Progressive asking if I wanted to initiate repairs on the car I had just traded. The issue is, I’ve never been a Progressive customer. When I explained that I no longer owned the vehicle, they informed me that my information appeared when they checked the tags. Is it possible that the dealership sold my old car while still using my tags? How could the temporary tag from the dealership still contain my information?
It sounds like there may have been a mix-up with the paperwork at the dealership when you traded in your vehicle. When you trade in a car, the dealership is usually responsible for handling the title transfer and removing your old tags. If Progressive contacted you about repairs for your old vehicle, it’s possible that the dealership did not properly complete the transfer process, which could explain why your information is still associated with the car.
Here are a few steps you can take:
Contact the Dealership: Reach out to the dealership where you traded in your vehicle. Ask them about the status of your trade-in and confirm that they processed all the necessary paperwork, including the title transfer and removal of your tags.
Check with the DMV: Contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if there are any records of your old vehicle still being in your name. They can provide guidance on how to proceed if your information is still associated with that vehicle.
Verify Insurance Information: Since Progressive reached out to you, it may be beneficial to contact them as well and explain the situation. They may have information on why your old vehicle is still showing up under your name.
Request Documentation: If the dealership didn’t handle the paperwork correctly, request any necessary documentation to clear your name from the old vehicle.
Monitor for Identity Theft: Lastly, make sure you keep an eye on your personal information and credit report, as this situation could indicate potential identity theft if your information is being misused.
Taking these steps should help you clarify the situation and ensure that your name is no longer associated with the traded vehicle.