If you had to pick two personal possessions that were never stolen, there's a good chance you would name your car and your wallet. These are some of the most valuable items you own, and not only are they costly to replace, but losing one is sure to bring plenty of headaches and frustration. All of this makes a recent trend even more alarming. 

Stealing identities – and cars 
The National Insurance Crime Bureau is raising awareness of white-collar methods that many thieves are using to steal cars. One of the most popular schemes involves criminals using stolen IDs to lease or purchase vehicles. Once the car is in their possession, they skip any and all payments, leaving the original victim of theft stuck with the bill. Those vehicles could even be resold to unsuspecting buyers. 

Although there are no concrete numbers associated with these scams, the NICB is paying attention to the threat – and you should be too. 

"Trying to put a number on these kinds of thefts is a challenge," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "It's comparable to a hacker stealing IDs – you don't know you're a victim until it's too late. Most of these thefts don't show up in traditional crime reporting numbers and become financial losses for lenders, car rental companies and others. The result is millions of dollars added to the cost of doing business, which is ultimately passed on to consumers."

How to stay safe
You can take some measures to protect your investment. Start by keeping your ID close to you at all times. You should also be monitoring any suspicious mail that comes to your home address, making sure that you aren't unwittingly receiving follow-up letters from a loan or purchase. 

Additionally, always lock your car or home, particularly if you have a wallet lying around. When looking for a used car, be sure to research the vehicle history and make sure you a clear idea of where the car came from. 

It also helps to go to a reputable used car lot for all of your shopping and auto financing needs. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for instance, you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles as well as a top-notch financing team. They'll assist you in your search for the perfect ride, complete with an affordable price tag, auto loans and plenty of security features.