Will it affect ME at all, to sign a vehicle over to someone using a phony name?

Question

I have donated an older vehicle to charity and the contact person has emailed using two different last names. When the final details were being written, she asked me to use a specific name, different from her other two last names. The final name she gave me is suspicious where the other two were common names. I asked for her driver's license master number for the portion of the registration papers I need to provide to the government to show transfer of ownership. She explained she doesn't have a license, but other drivers will use the vehicle.

That's fine, but I want to know if she has given me a phony name, will this affect ME to have signed a vehicle over to a non-existant person (on record). Thanks...

Answer 1

If you are aware of possible fraud, and do nothing, you may be a party to it, yes.

If I were you I would NOT sign the vehicle over to this person, and I would also take copies of the emails down to the police station and tell them your concerns.

Answer 2

You're only selling the vehicle, you're not a private investigator or a law-enforcement officer.

However, if you're not comfortable with the arrangement, ask the buyer of the car to come back with one of these "other drivers" who does have a licence who will be driving the vehicle.

Play it safe. It's not worth the potential trouble.

Answer 3

Most states have attached to the title a "record of sale" to detach and mail when you sell the vehicle. Fill it out, use the name the person gives you (or enter both names hehehe) sign it and send it in, you are completely off the hook legally.

Answer 4

Forging a government document? Ummm......

Just make sure you complete a "Release of Liability" at the DMV.
If the car is in an accident, and the driver flees the scene, the cops will be coming for the last registered owner. -YOU