In Argentina, fraud involving 'twin cars' is on the rise. Typically, these crimes are orchestrated by two criminal gangs: one is responsible for armed carjackings, while the other forges the necessary documentation for the sale, including the participation of experienced scammers. The vehicles are stolen violently, as shown in numerous filmed cases where four or five criminals suddenly appear, threaten the owner at gunpoint, and drive off with the car or truck. When the buyer approaches the Vehicle Property Registry, discrepancies are revealed: the car purchased was actually stolen, with forged documents—from the title and registration to insurance, patents, and police verification. After the theft, the cars are 'cooled down': their license plates are changed, and they are parked in lots or on the street to ensure they are not under police surveillance. A 'twin car' gets its name because it uses the data of an identical vehicle, for example, a 2024 Peugeot 208 Allure. This allows the vehicle to move freely, as its license plate is not flagged as stolen. Lawyers warn that purchasing or using a 'twin car' constitutes a federal crime. If you have unfortunately bought one, you must first consult a lawyer and then file a complaint with the prosecutor's office, placing the vehicle at the disposal of the judiciary. To avoid fraud, the best course of action is to complete the transaction at the Vehicle Property Registry itself, as scammers often schedule sales when the registry is closed. Additionally, cases have been reported where 'black widows'—women who drug men to rob them—also steal their victims' vehicles, which are then turned into 'twin cars'.
