In an unscripted and unrehearsed episode, The Deen Show documented a real-life used car scam as it unfolded. Host Eddie sold a 2004 Ford with 187,000 miles to a buyer who then performed a “title jump,” altered the odometer, and resold the car to Frank Holis as if it had only 77,000 miles, charging a premium price for a car that was worth far less. This episode follows the victim’s journey from discovery of the fraud to filing a police report with Chicago PD.
How the Scam Worked
The scammer purchased the car legitimately, then tampered with the title and either modified or replaced the odometer to show 77,000 miles instead of the actual 187,000. He sold the car to Frank, an unsuspecting buyer who took it for a test drive and found it in great condition because the scammer had cleaned it up meticulously. It was only the next morning, when Frank noticed suspicious behavior and ran a Carfax report, that the truth was revealed: the car had over 100,000 more miles than advertised.
“He wrote down 077 on the title. The odometer said 77,000, but the Carfax showed the car actually had 187,000 miles. The odometer was either modified or replaced.”
Lessons for Protecting Yourself
This episode serves as a practical warning for anyone buying a used car. Always run a Carfax report before purchasing, verify the title carefully, and be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true. The episode also showed the Islamic perspective: Muslims are called to be people of justice who help their brothers in humanity, expose fraud, and stand against crime. After filing the police report, officers indicated this was a clear-cut case with a strong chance of prosecution.
“Life is a test. As Muslims, we know the Creator tells us He created life and death to test which of us are best in deeds. We have to struggle to be good and do good.”
- Always run a Carfax or vehicle history report before purchasing any used car, as odometer fraud is more common than most people realize
- Keep copies of the title and bill of sale when selling a vehicle to protect yourself from scammers who perform title jumps
- Islam teaches that fraud, deception, and cheating are major sins, and that all human beings are born with original goodness that they can return to through repentance
- Muslims are commanded to be the best examples to mankind, helping victims of crime and standing for justice in every situation
