Even auctions are not safe

[drbluevert]

Hagerty informed me today that my recently purchased 59 Impala was stolen. Seems wife signed husband's name on the title - What Notary did she go to? Attorney for the auction said the car was shipped with a signed contract and needed paperwork. Here is where I get confused. There was man polishing that car and answering questions in front of a large group several times last week. I even bought his breakfast Thursday. I've been calling his cell phone all day and about 15 minutes ago a message now says the number is invalid. Thank God the check to the seller didn't go out and the insurance company caught it early. I was really looking forward to my very first 100% turn-key, finished classic car.

[Sly Vette]

Dayum!!!!
That Sucks. I would think there would be a better process in place to be able to avoid such things. Especially with a well known outfit like Mecum.

[C3C6 Norm]

Scumbags everywhere, damn shame.

[PNHNDLE96CE]

That sucks! Maybe the auction house will waive fees on your next purchase and you can score a better ride. That's what I would do for you if I were them, can't see how they would want to have bad press from something like this without trying to make amends.

[drbluevert]

I don't blame the auction people. There are some very clever scams that make through any system every day. Here in PA you can say there is a car or what ever, abandoned on your property and you want a new title to get rid of it. All you need is a copy of court documents showing you took the owner to court and won and 30 days have past without any appeal filed. If you played it right and the owner doesn't show up for court day you can petition the judge to find on your behalf. You will get a clear/clean title in 30 days or less.
You maybe able to see how a scam can be pulled off in that system!

[PNHNDLE96CE]

Not blaming the auction house at all. I know they do their checks. But would think they'd offer you some incentive to come back.

[Curby]

Mecum has a lot of safeties in place to protect you and them from fraudulent sellers and buyers. You write a check to them, and they write a check to the seller. They have local state DMV and police on hand to make sure that titles are legit and VINs match.

If for any reason, the car or the paperwork looks strange, they won't run the car. There were dozens of cars in the "waiting" lot all week.

I have bought and sold many cars through their system, They are amazingly efficient, and extremely careful when it comes to titles, VINs, and such.

Another thing i like is that EVERY claim you state in your description has to be documented, or they won't print it.

In Kissimee, I sold a Z28 pace car, a Collector's Edition Vette, a custom Silverado, and a Dodge Dakota convertible. I came home with a 68 GTO, a 78 Pace car, and a 74 convertible.

I'm glad you found out the paperwork on the car was fraudulent. That goes to show you that people like Haggerty's are great to have working for you.