I feel for the guys dilemma if its not a scam.
It's been about 5 years now that everytime a missing person, stolen vehicle, hit and run vehicle is found - ITS the VICTIMS who do the leg work.
Local PD just takes the reports, hands you a copy (to give to the insurance agent presumably) and goes right back to issuing tickets for traffic violations.
If he's going to find them it's normal ass people who are going to help him.
Or as stated when one of us.
I have seen that in the past the guys will part the vehicle and they'll drive around telling owners hey I've got some cheap parts - or do you want to buy some parts from this bronco??
Just my nickle.