AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Hays County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) issued an alert Friday in connection with the recovery of stolen vehicles that involved VIN-swapping schemes.

“Criminals are using fake paperwork and VIN-swapping to disguise stolen vehicles,” HCSO said.

HCSO said over the past two weeks, deputies recovered four stolen vehicles. • Stolen vehicles recovered by deputies (HCSO photo) • Stolen vehicles recovered by deputies (HCSO photo)

Of the four, two were sold with titles and paperwork to unsuspecting buyers after being VIN-swapped. HCSO said both vehicles were listed on Facebook Marketplace.

Another VIN-swapped vehicle was also found, along with a stolen U-Haul tow dolly, by HCSO deputies.

The final vehicle linked to VIN-swapping remained under investigation, as of Friday, ac

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