Besides all the damage that it caused to homes, the recent flooding  in Texas damaged 7,000 to 10,000 insured vehicles --  and that opens the  door to the opportunity  for dishonest used-car sales.

"Unfortunately,  some of the flooded vehicles may be purchased at bargain prices,
 cleaned up, and then taken out of state where the VIN [vehicle  identification 
number] is switched and the car is retitled with no  indication it has been damaged," the National Insurance Crime Bureau  said in a statement.

The NICB cautions that used-car shoppers  should be vigilant in the weeks and months after a major flood. The  agency recommends the following steps to ensure you don't end up with a  flood-damaged used car.

* Select a reputable car dealer and use a VIN checker to ensure the car does not
 have a salvage title.

* Inspect the vehicle for water stains, mildew, sand or silt under the carpet, floor mats, headliner and dashboard.

* Inspect the upholstery and door panel materials for fading.

* Check for rust around screws in the center console area and areas water doesn't
usually reach.

*  Check for mud or grit in the spare tire compartment and in small  crevices under the hood. Also look for rust and corrosion under the  hood.

* Inspect the seat belt retractor for moisture, mildew or grime.

* Check to make sure the speakers work; door-mounted speakers will often be damaged in a flood.

*  Pay close attention to the wheels; aluminum alloys may be coated in a  white 
powder and show signs of pitting, small dimples in the material.

* Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchasing it.

* Lastly, trust your instincts. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably
is.