Austin police are asking for help to track down a seller they say unloaded a car with a rolled-back odometer and a bogus title after connecting with the buyer on Facebook Marketplace. The sale went down in the 10100 block of Barden Road on Sept. 15, 2025, and detectives say the buyer quickly ran into mechanical trouble and noticed the mileage did not add up. APD says photos of the suspect are now circulating as officers work to find the individual.
What APD Released
In a media release, APD labeled the case as 25-5018452 and said the seller handed over a title that “appeared to be signed and ready for transfer.” After the sale, the buyer discovered the odometer had been altered and that the mileage on the title was falsified. The department’s Jan. 29 release includes suspect photos and asks anyone with information to call 512-974-TIPS or submit anonymous tips through Capital Area Crime Stoppers, where a reward of up to $1,000 may be available. Those details are laid out in a press release from the City of Austin.
Why Buyers Should Be Wary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold every year with false odometer readings, while CARFAX data suggests as many as 2.45 million vehicles may show signs of rollbacks, which underscores how widespread the scam can be. Federal consumer guidance urges buyers to compare the odometer reading with the title and maintenance records, run a VIN history report, and, when possible, have a mechanic inspect a vehicle before handing over money, according to NHTSA.
Legal Risks Under Texas Law
Altering a title or using a falsified government record can land a seller in serious legal trouble under Texas’s tampering statute, with penalties that depend on the type of document and the person’s intent. Under Texas Penal Code Section 37.10, making or using a false governmental record with intent to defraud can be charged as a misdemeanor or, in some circumstances, bumped up to a felony.
How To Protect Yourself And Report Tips
If you recognize the person in the images or think you were sold a misrepresented vehicle, APD wants to hear from you at 512-974-TIPS or through an anonymous tip to Capital Area Crime Stoppers. The department has posted the photos and case information online. When buying, always meet sellers in a public place, verify the title and service records, confirm the VIN, and consider bringing a mechanic to check the car before you pay cash. You can see APD’s social media post on Facebook or read the full release on the City of Austin website.
Bottom Line
APD’s photos are a reminder that a “too good to be true” deal on Facebook Marketplace can hide serious fraud, and detectives are counting on the public’s help to identify the seller tied to the Barden Road case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department so investigators can follow up.
