from my very limited knowledge i would say this is true. chances are the previous owner of the car had a judgement issued against them for a debt they did not pay. legally they could have snatched up the car & sold it, usually they will not because of the effort it takes to sell a car. but at the same time with the car having a clear title there appears to be some sort of fraud going on. perhaps the owner of the car just gave you a title to the car that was issued prior to a judgement being issued against them. in another words, the cars owner very well may have a more current title with the lien on it......probably should also say that creditors will often violate laws in an attempt to collect a debt. sad to say but you might end up on the hook for it. most places will not take a car as scrap anymore without title. chances are you are going to have to work it out with the creditor and then perhaps go after the cars previous owner, if he is unwilling to pay the judgement with the funds you purchased the car with.