What is OMVIC?

OMVIC is here to empower and protect Ontario’s car buyers. It’s critical for consumers to connect with us before they buy—that’s when we can be of greatest support.

This media kit provides essential information to help you share key insights with your audience.

Looking for compelling stories or expert interviews? OMVIC’s subject matter experts are available to discuss a range of timely topics, including:

From hidden fees to shady sellers, many newcomers fall into common traps when buying a car. Speak to one our experts about how New Canadians can protect themselves when buying a car. 

More people are buying used vehicles online without an inspection. OMVIC’s Chief Consumer Protection Officer can speak to why skipping an in-person check could lead to financial disaster. 

Fake listings, stolen vehicles, and deceptive sellers are common pitfalls in online car shopping. OMVIC experts can share tips on the red flags of fraudulent ads and how to verify a deal before losing your money.

Organized crime is disguising stolen cars with new VINs and selling them to unsuspecting buyers. Our Director of Enforcement, a former Toronto Police officer specializing in organized crime and motor vehicle investigations, can share expert tips on avoiding stolen vehicle scams. 

Illegal, unlicensed sellers—known as curbsiders—often sell unsafe or misrepresented vehicles. OMVIC spokespersons can speak to the threat of curbsiders and tips to spot a one before it’s too late.

What you will find in this kit :  

  1. Tip Sheet: Myths About OMVIC  
  2. Key Trends in the Motor Vehicle Sales Industry 
    • Fraud and Re-VINned vehicles 
    • Curbsiders 
    • Motor vehicle theft and chop shops

Myths vs. Reality

There can be confusion as to who OMVIC is and how we can help consumers in their car-buying process.

OMVIC is a government delegated authority administering and enforcing laws that motor vehicle dealers and salespeople must follow. We protect the public interest by protecting and raising awareness of consumer rights and enhancing industry professionalism for registered motor vehicle dealers and salespeople.

OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council) works to protect car buyers and regulate the automotive sales industry in Ontario. However, misconceptions about OMVIC’s role and services can lead to confusion.

To explore more, click the plus sign to uncover myth vs reality.

OMVIC’s protections and services apply only to transactions involving registered motor vehicle dealers. Private sales are not covered, which is why it’s important to confirm a dealer’s registration status before purchasing.

While OMVIC ensures dealer compliance with the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA), its main goal is to protect consumers by promoting transparency, enforcing all-in pricing, investigating curbsiders, and managing the Compensation Fund. 

OMVIC provides support only for disputes involving registered dealers and compliance issues. For private sales or matters like vehicle financing disputes, OMVIC’s scope is limited.

Only dealers who meet OMVIC’s regulatory requirements can be registered. Always verify a dealer’s registration status to ensure they are operating legally. 

OMVIC provides oversight for both new and used vehicle sales through registered dealers. This includes helping used car buyers avoid risks like curbsiders and fraudulent practices.

OMVIC actively supports law enforcement in tackling vehicle theft, re-VINning, and curbsiding. By monitoring dealer practices and investigating fraud, OMVIC plays a vital role in reducing crime in the automotive industry.

Consumers do not pay directly for OMVIC’s services. Fees paid by registered dealers fund OMVIC’s operations, including consumer protection programs and enforcement efforts.

Why OMVIC Matters

OMVIC ensures a fair, transparent, and legal vehicle sales environment in Ontario. By regulating the industry, OMVIC gives consumers confidence in their purchase while holding dealers accountable.

Key Trends in the Motor Vehicle Sales Industry

  1. Fraud and Re-VINned Vehicles 
    Fraudulent activity, such as re-VINning, poses significant risks to consumers:
     
  • What is Re-VINning? Re-VINning is when criminals illegally alter a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to disguise the vehicle’s true history and identity – usually that of a stolen vehicle. 
  • Consumer Risks: Buyers may unknowingly purchase a stolen vehicle, leading to financial loss, repossession of the vehicle, or safety concerns. 
  • OMVIC’s Role: OMVIC educates consumers on obtaining vehicle history reports and recognizing red flags like mismatched VINs, suspiciously low prices, or incomplete documentation. OMVIC can also support car buyers who unknowingly purchase a stolen vehicle from a registered dealer. 
  • Consumer Tip: When buying a vehicle privately, always ask the seller for a UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package) from the Ministry of Transportation—they are required to provide it.For any used vehicle purchase, get a CARFAX vehicle history report and have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before finalizing the deal. 

 

  1. Curbsiders: The Hidden Threat
    Curbsiders are illegal sellers posing as private individuals or legitimate dealers: 
  • Why Are They Dangerous? These illegal sellers often sell vehicles with undisclosed damage, rolled-back odometers, or liens. 
  • Consumer Risks: Buyers often face financial loss, mechanical issues, safety concerns, and a lack of recourse if something goes wrong. Curbsiders are the biggest threat to consumers, and are becoming more prevalent in the motor vehicle sales industry.  
  • OMVIC’s Action: OMVIC investigates curbsiders and charges these criminals to protect consumers from unsafe and deceptive transactions. OMVIC’s enforcement team charged over 1,500 curbsiders in 2024.Consumer Tip: Verify the seller is a registered dealer using OMVIC’s online registered dealer search tool at OMVIC.ca. Avoid cash-only transactions and deals that seem too good to be true. 

 

  1. Motor Vehicle Theft and Chop Shops
    Vehicle theft and illegal chop shops contribute to significant losses: 
  • The Problem: Stolen vehicles are often dismantled in chop shops, with parts sold illegally or used to rebuild insurance wrecks. 
  • Impact on Consumers: Buyers may unknowingly purchase rebuilt vehicles with stolen parts, leading to safety risks and legal complications including the seizure of the vehicle by police. 
  • OMVIC’s Role: OMVIC collaborates with law enforcement to identify stolen vehicles and educate the public about theft prevention and detection.Consumer Tip: Look for signs of tampering, such as inconsistent paintwork or replaced parts. Use vehicle history reports to check for theft records. The best way to protect yourself from buying a vehicle that has been rebuilt with stolen parts is to purchase your vehicle from a registered dealer.  

Additional Resources:  

Media Contact: For interviews or additional information, please contact: Emma Marshall at [email protected]  

Thank you for helping to spread awareness about consumer protection in Ontario’s automotive sales industry. 

Additional information about OMVIC’s role, efforts in consumer protection and enforcement can be found at OMVIC.ca.