Picture this: a Brooklyn resident at the center of a fake license plate ring, helping “ghost cars” quietly breeze through New York streets. That’s exactly what landed Tyheem Evans in court, where he owned up to running a multi-state scam now on state officials’ radar.
More and more, officials are getting worried about the spike in counterfeit temporary tags—they’re being used to dodge everything from tolls to registration checks, raising red flags across the region.
The details? Released in a press statement found on NYC Newswire, with New York Attorney General Letitia James and several agencies collaborating on the case.
Instagram Became Marketplace for Brooklyn Plate Scammer
Evans, age 28, reportedly took to Instagram to peddle fake temp plates, advertising to buyers not just in New York, but in other states as well.
Cops say the scam ran for over a year, netting more than 50 sales—each plate going for up to $210 and pitched as valid anywhere in the country.
“The defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for using social media to advertise and sell forged temporary license plates for a fee to more than four dozen customers,” shared DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata.
Evans’ plea in Kings County Criminal Court resulted in a conditional discharge, plus community service.
What Ghost Cars Mean for NYC
This case opened a window on a bigger problem: so-called “ghost cars.” Authorities say bogus plates make vehicles virtually untraceable.
These cars effortlessly slip past toll scanners and traffic cameras, and can even disappear after accidents or crimes.
Fake plates also conceal whether a car is insured or registered, which troubles both law enforcement and transportation officials.
DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt put it this way: “We will find you and you will be held responsible for your actions.”
Social Media at the Center of Fraud Operation
Evans used an Instagram profile, @DMVTemps, to showcase 30-, 60-, and 90-day counterfeit tags.
Buyers would DM their car’s make, model, year, and VIN, then pay digitally. In return, Evans sent them a PDF of the forged document.
The operation spanned a handful of states—including California, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey—running from April 2022 to September 2023.
Authorities Take a Hard Line
Attorney General Letitia James sees this as part of a larger push to shut down phony vehicle schemes threatening road safety and public confidence.
“Tyheem Evans defrauded drivers and the DMV with a petty scheme to line his own pockets while making our roads less safe,” said Attorney General Letitia James.
She urges everyone to use only official DMV channels—avoid sketchy online alternatives at all costs.
Agencies Team Up to Crack Down
The investigation was a team effort, involving the Attorney General’s Office, the NYC Department of Investigation, and the State DMV.
Cooperation like this is key to tracking down digital fraud networks that move quickly and quietly online.
The bust is just one step in a broader campaign, with agencies targeting scams that hurt toll collections, insurance, and road enforcement.
What’s on the Horizon?
State agencies have pledged to keep increasing enforcement against these kinds of forged license plate operations—especially those thriving online.
They’re also stepping up online monitoring to catch more fraudsters in the act.
This Brooklyn case will likely set the tone for future crackdowns on “ghost car” fraud and social media-based scams.
Catch a full rundown in the original press release at NYC Newswire.
What People Are Asking
What’s a “ghost car”?
It’s a car that uses fake or untraceable plates, so it can dodge tolls and enforcement systems without a trace.
How did the Brooklyn scam work?
Evans sold phony plates via Instagram, taking payment online and delivering the documents electronically.
What punishment did Evans get?
After pleading guilty, the Brooklyn man was given a conditional discharge plus 100 hours of community service.
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