How to Check a Cloned Car?
When shopping for a used car, the last thing you want to do is unknowingly purchase a car cloned by criminals. If a deal sounds too good to be true, there's a chance it could come with a hidden, and potentially dangerous, past. Cloned cars are vehicles that have had their identity stolen and replaced with someone else's legitimate details. This could result in a car that appears to be in good condition but has been linked to a crime. To avoid becoming a victim of this growing problem, you must first understand how to spot a cloned vehicle. In this article, we'll show you how to protect yourself when buying a used car and how to recognise the telltale signs of cloned cars.
What is Car Cloning?
Car cloning is a crime in which thieves take a stolen car or fix up a written-off car and then make it look like a legally registered car. It's the same as identity theft, but with cars. For this, they change the car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), swap the number plates, and even make a fake logbook to make it look like the car is legitimate. This means two cars—one real and one fake—are on the road with the same identity.
The problem arises when the clone car is used to commit crimes such as parking or traffic violations. The innocent owner of the original car has no idea that their car's identity has been stolen until they receive a fine or penalty notice. These can come in the form of parking tickets or speeding fines, which are all linked to the cloned car.
To protect yourself, always check the details of a car before purchasing. Using our number plate checker, you can determine whether the vehicle has any hidden issues or a questionable history.
How Common Is Car Cloning in the UK?
Car cloning is becoming a bigger problem in the UK than many people realise. While you might not think it happens often, some police forces estimate that up to 20% of cars on the road could be running on cloned plates.
A lot of this is happening because of high insurance costs and the rising cost of living. Some drivers choose to use fake plates to save money, but they don't consider the victims of their actions. It's not just a small issue—it's affecting people in ways they may not even know.
Though the DVLA hasn't released official figures, there's growing pressure for them to make these statistics public so we can better understand the scale of the problem.
Key Warning Signs Your Car Might Be a Clone
When purchasing a used car, it's important to look for certain warning signs that could indicate you're looking at a cloned vehicle. One of the most obvious red flags is paying in cash. If you pay in cash, there is no record of the transaction, so if the car is cloned, you won't be able to prove ownership.
Another sign to look for is if the car is priced unusually low. All cars have a set market value, and if the price is more than 30% lower than usual, it may be a scam. This price difference could be the seller's attempt to get rid of a cloned car quickly.
Finally, exercise caution if the car is being sold in a public place, such as a parking lot or a gas station. If the seller has nothing to hide, they should be open to meeting you at their home.
By keeping these points in mind, you can reduce the likelihood of purchasing a cloned vehicle.
How Do Criminals Clone Vehicle Registrations?
Criminals copy vehicle registrations in a number of ways, but one of the most common is to search online for cars that look a lot like the one they want to hide. For instance, if they want to make a copy of a white Ford Fiesta, they will look online for pictures of cars that look like the one they want to clone. If they find one that looks "clean" and legally registered, they'll make new number plates to match the original car; this helps them hide the true identity of the vehicle.
Criminals often clone car plates to hide the fact that the car they are trying to register is stolen or being used illegally; police have a harder time finding the real owner of a car when thieves put fake license plates on it. It's a clever way for crooks to commit crimes without being caught, and it adds another layer of complexity to tracking the vehicle's true history.
Knowing this will give you an advantage when purchasing a used car.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Car Has Been Cloned?
If you suspect that your number plate has been cloned, it can be a stressful situation, but you can take precautions to protect yourself. First, contact the police right away. Inform them that your car's registration has been cloned and is possibly involved in a crime. The police will give you a crime reference number, which will be useful later when dealing with any issues.
Get as much proof as you can to show that your car had nothing to do with the crime or offence. This could include CCTV footage from your home or business parking lot, as well as images taken around the time of the incident. Parking receipts with your car's number plate and the date/time the offence happened can also be useful.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary information, contact the authority or company that issued the penalty notice to resolve the issue; explain that my number plate has been cloned and give them the crime reference number. Ask for photographic evidence of the offence, as this may show that the car in the photo is not actually your vehicle. The car could have different wheels or even a different colour.
If the problem persists, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. They can help you by issuing a new registration for your vehicle to ensure that no additional problems arise.
Following these steps will clear up any confusion and ensure the safety of your car's identity.
What Are the Steps to Prevent Car Cloning?
Car cloning is easier than ever, thanks to the internet. Criminals can quickly find cars and their number plates online without ever seeing them in person.
To keep your car safe, be careful when sharing pictures of it online, like on social media or when selling it. It's a good idea to blur your number plate in photos to make it more difficult for criminals to clone your car. Taking small steps like this can help protect your car from being cloned.
How Can I Avoid Buying a Cloned Car?
Buying a cloned car can be a real headache, and it's more common than you might think. Criminals can easily steal a car's identity, and if you end up with a cloned car—even if you didn't know—it could be seized by the police and returned to the rightful owner (if it was originally stolen). It's not something you want to deal with, so here are a few tips to help you avoid this problem.
First off, always buy from a trusted dealer; reputable dealers check a car's history, so you can have more peace of mind. If you see a car being sold for way less than it's worth, that's a big red flag; deals that seem too good to be true often are!
Next, examine the car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This is usually at the bottom of the windscreen; the number on the V5C registration certificate should match it. You should back out of the deal if they don't match or if the VIN looks like it has been tampered with.
These easy steps will keep you safe and make sure you don't buy a cloned car. Before making any decisions, trust your instincts and double-check the details!
Use a Cloned Car Check to Protect Yourself
Before you buy a car, there are a few things you can do to make sure you don't end up with a cloned car. One of the easiest ways is to use our MOT check or the Check My Car Reg tool. This online tool lets you enter the car's registration number and see if there are any red flags. It will include a V5C check, which matches the car's logbook against stolen logbooks. This can help you figure out if the car might be a clone.
Next, always thoroughly inspect the vehicle's V5C logbook. Make sure the number plate on the logbook corresponds to the one on the car. Also, compare the VIN number in the logbook to the VIN number stamped on the vehicle. You'll usually find the VIN in a few places: under the bonnet, below the windscreen, and on the driver's door sill (all of them should match).
Check that the address on the logbook makes sense for where the car is being sold. For example, if the car is being sold far from the listed address, it may indicate that something is wrong.
Also, be aware of the car's price. If it seems too cheap for the market value, you should question why. Car cloners often sell cloned cars at a low price to get rid of them quickly.
Finally, never pay in cash. Always use a traceable payment method, as car cloners prefer cash transactions to avoid being traced. If you've already bought a cloned car, report it to your local police.
Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Vehicle Identity
In conclusion, it's very important to keep your car's identity safe. What is a cloned car? It happens when criminals steal (or copy) a car's license plate and attach it to a similar vehicle, often to conceal the true identity of a stolen or criminal car. If you receive fines or penalties for things you did not do, get fines from locations far from where you live, it is possible that your car's registration has been cloned.
To avoid cloning, never post your car's number plate online, and always blur it in photos. If you're buying a used car, double-check the VIN and only buy from reputable dealers. Trustworthy sellers can help you avoid the risk of purchasing a cloned vehicle.
Being cautious can help you protect your vehicle's identity.
FAQs
What Should I Do If My Number Plates Are Stolen?
If someone steals your license plates, you should call the police right away. You will need the crime reference number they give you for any further steps. Then, contact the DVLA to update your vehicle's details and get new plates. It's also a good idea to improve your car's security to prevent future theft.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone Is Selling a Cloned Car?
If you think someone is selling a cloned car, stop the sale and don't go through with it. Tell the police about your suspicion of a cloned car and give them all the information you have. Being careful will help you avoid falling for a possible scam.
Is It an Offence to Have Cloned Number Plates?
Yes, it is an offence to have cloned number plates. Using cloned plates is illegal and can result in serious consequences, even if you weren't aware they were fake. Your car could be seized by the police, and you could be fined or given other penalties. To avoid this problem, always check your car's information.
Can a Cloned Car Affect My Insurance Premium?
If you unknowingly purchase a cloned car, your insurance may become invalid if the vehicle is linked to illegal activity. This could result in higher premiums or having to find a new insurer. On the other hand, if your car is cloned and used in a crime, your own insurance claim might be delayed or complicated while they investigate the issue.
