A flipper/scammer gets busted

Yes it is illegal-different states have alternate laws. Own a salvage yard and you will find states demand a paper trail. If you own a 1969 and you have not photocopied the title from both cars you have removed and replaced VINs. Your resident lawyer that rebuilt a 69 M code former race car using panels from another 69 barracuda unless he has photocopies of both titles indicating the panels reused can be prosecuted should a later owner complain. Be very careful when you are judging someone else because I guarantee that none are”Lilly white”!!!

Federal law says it is illegal to remove or alter the VIN on an automobile.
If you buy a fender from a wrecking yard I'm sure you will have a paper trail because you will have a receipt for the part that you bought.