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Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) says it’s increasing efforts to stop illegal vehicle sales and fraud through expanded oversight of curbers—unlicensed sellers who pose as private individuals while buying and selling multiple vehicles.
In a news release issued on Thursday, MPI warned that curbers operate without regulation, meaning buyers may end up with vehicles that have rolled-back odometers, undisclosed collision histories, cloned Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), or other hidden issues. These risks leave consumers with no recourse if something goes wrong.
To combat the issue, MPI’s Vehicle Safety department implemented a new dealer audit framework in 2024. The program allows MPI to conduct more frequent audits and work closely with its Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and law enforcement. Vehicle Safety Officers now also hold Peace Officer status under the Driver and Vehicle Administration Act, allowing them to issue Provincial Offence Notices.
According to MPI, the Vehicle Safety team began contacting suspected curbers last year to explain the legal requirements for selling more than four vehicles annually. Of the first group contacted, two obtained permits, two stopped selling, and two were fined. One of those fined later became the subject of a major police investigation. That case, dubbed Buyer Bee Aware, led to the man's arrest on 68 charges related to fraud.
In February 2025, MPI sent 30 more letters to suspected curbers, with another 30 planned for May. Four Provincial Offence Notices have been issued this year, each carrying fines of more than $2,500.
“The ability to issue Provincial Offence Notices to unpermitted dealers goes hand-in-hand with sanctions for dealers,” said Dana Frazer, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, in the release. “With this increased oversight over curbers and suspended dealers, we now have increased awareness of fraud networks.”
Frazer said the new enforcement measures are helping uncover broader criminal links and protect Manitobans from vehicle fraud.
MPI is urging the public to check its list of sanctioned sellers before buying a used vehicle. Fraud can be reported online, through the TIPS line at 204-985-8477, or via Crime Stoppers. All tips are anonymous and confidential.