What Should You Do If Your Pawned Car Goes Missing? Wongsakorn Law Office – Ready to Provide Full Legal Assistance and Consultation

In today’s volatile economy, pawnbroking a car has become a short-term financial solution for many people. However, one issue that car owners often don’t anticipate is when the pawned car goes missing or when they lose contact with the pawnshop or agent. These situations often arise when the car is pawned through unregistered dealerships, unlicensed brokers, or individuals without a permanent business address.

When such incidents occur, many owners panic or hesitate to take legal action; some are even afraid to file a police report because they believe they have no right to do so under the pawn agreement. In reality, car owners still have legal rights and can take legal action to seek justice as long as there is proper evidence and correct legal procedures are followed.

Why Does “Pawned Car Missing” Happen?

Most cases occur when vehicles are pawned with unlicensed pawnshops or individual agents without proper documentation such as a pawn contract, receipt, or written acknowledgment of payment. Over time, these individuals may disappear or become uncontactable and some owners later discover their cars were sold or rented out without consent.

Common scenarios include:

• Pawning with unlicensed or illegal pawnshops
• Brokers transferring the car to third parties
• No written or signed pawn agreement
• The pawnee selling or transferring ownership without notice

All of these situations may constitute criminal offenses such as misappropriation or fraud, and car owners have the right to pursue legal action.

Relevant Laws Concerning Car Pawning

Under the Civil and Commercial Code (Sections 747–756),
the pledgee (pawn holder) must take care of the pledged property. If the property is lost or damaged, they are liable for full compensation.

Under the Criminal Code, Section 352,
if the pledgee sells or uses the pledged property without authorization, it constitutes embezzlement, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of 60,000 baht, or both.

If the person pawning the vehicle is not the rightful owner or has no legal authorization, their actions may also constitute embezzlement under the same section.

If they sell, transfer ownership, or alter the vehicle with fraudulent intent, the act may amount to fraud or receiving stolen property if the receiver knew the car was obtained unlawfully.

Therefore, if your vehicle has been pawned or sold without your consent, you should immediately file a police report to prevent further loss or illegal transfer.

Can the Person Who Pawned the Car Be Liable Under the Law?

If the person pawning the vehicle is not the real owner or has no legal authorization from the owner, such conduct may also fall under misappropriation of property (Criminal Code, Section 352), with the same penalties as above.

If the vehicle is sold, transferred, or modified with fraudulent intent or to deprive the rightful owner of benefits, it may constitute fraud or even receiving stolen property, if the recipient knew the car was obtained unlawfully.

Therefore, if you discover that your car has been pawned or sold without your consent, or if someone deceived you into transferring ownership and later pawned your car, you should immediately report to the police to prevent further loss or transfer.

What to Do If You Can No Longer Contact the Pawnshop?

This is one of the most common and frustrating situations for car owners.
If the pawn shop closes down, disappears, or changes contact numbers, you should take the following steps:

1.Gather all communication records and documents — such as chat history, transfer receipts, or pawn contracts.

2. File a police report immediately — record the case and pursue legal action for embezzlement or fraud.

3.Check your vehicle’s status with the Department of Land Transport — to see if it has been sold, transferred, or reported missing.

4.Consult a lawyer as soon as possible — a lawyer can review your documents, prepare legal notices, and assist in locating your car.

Why Hire a Lawyer from the Start?

Many victims try to handle the matter themselves, but this often leads to wasted time and lost opportunities to recover the vehicle.
A lawyer can:

• Verify the identity and location of the pawn holder
• Draft proper demand or police notification letters
• Coordinate with the police and related agencies
• File lawsuits to reclaim your property or compensation
• Advise you on your legal rights as the car owner

 If Your Pawned Car Goes Missing Contact Wongsakorn Law Office

When facing a missing pawned car case, don’t wait until it’s too late. This is not just about property loss it directly affects your daily life, work, and financial stability.

Wongsakorn Law Office fully understands the distress and frustration of victims. Our experienced lawyers provide complete legal services for cases involving missing pawned cars.

We can assist you if:

• You pawned your car but cannot contact the dealer or agent
• Your car was sold or transferred without consent
• Your car was misappropriated or illegally taken over

Wongsakorn Law Office Professional legal advice and full-scale assistance for pawned car issues. Click >> Contact Us <<