Alberta RCMP Auto Theft Unit has a warning for anyone scouting out new vehicles.

Their officers are investigating three separate cases from the Calgary and Edmonton areas where Ford Raptor pickup trucks were stolen, given a new Vehicle Identification Number, and sold online or by roadside private sales.

In all cases the victims who purchased the vehicles say they completed Lien checks, Carfax, or Carproof checks which did not indicate the vehicle was re-vinned. The value of each vehicle is $80,000.

Some tips from RCMP include ask for identification from the seller; buy used cars from reputable dealers; if the price of the vehicle seems too good to be true it probably is, if anything feels off about the seller including cash only deals, wanting to meet at odd locations or times, be prepared to walk away.