Every car Iโve sold has been via a cashiers check. And Iโve contacted the issuing bank to confirm itโs not fraudulent before completing the sale.
I tell the guy to meet me at my bank with a certified check during office hours, and we can deposit it together. Once cleared at the teller, hand over keys.
So it's not "stolen" in the traditional sense, where someone breaks in and drives/tows it away...
More like the owner is a blithering idiot who was 'swindled' by a worthless check and willingly handed over the keys & title without doing the most basic diligence known to man. Got it.