How to Protect Yourself from Vehicle Cloning Scams
What is Vehicle Cloning?
Vehicle cloning occurs when criminals steal the identity of a legally taxed vehicle. They swap the original registration plates with plates that belong to another car, often one of the same make, model, and colour. This trick helps them avoid detection by police systems, such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and carry out illegal activities.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
Vehicle cloning can have serious consequences. If you buy a cloned vehicle, you might lose both your car and the money you spent on it. The police could seize the car once they discover it’s been cloned. Additionally, cloned vehicles may have hidden issues like altered mileage readings or a history of being written off after an accident, which could endanger your safety.
How Do Criminals Get Cloned Plates?
In the UK, you need a logbook, driver’s licence, and proof of address to buy a registration plate. However, criminals can purchase “show plates” online or over the phone with little documentation. These plates cost around £20 and are usually dispatched the same day. Once obtained, criminals can use them for illegal purposes on the road.
How to Avoid Buying a Cloned Car
To protect yourself from buying a cloned car, always carry out an HPI Check before making a purchase. The HPI Check will verify whether the car’s registration number, engine number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) match official records held by the DVLA. This simple check can reveal if the car has been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance.
Important Tips to Avoid Vehicle Cloning Scams
Follow these simple steps to avoid falling victim to vehicle cloning scams:
- Check the Vehicle’s History
Always verify the vehicle’s history and ensure you are viewing it at the address listed on the V5C/logbook. - Inspect the V5C/Logbook Carefully
Be cautious of stolen or counterfeit documents. Hold the V5C up to the light to check for official DVLA watermarks. If the document lacks watermarks, it may be fake. - Match VIN and Chassis Numbers
Ensure that the VIN and chassis numbers on the car match those in the vehicle records. Use an HPI Check to confirm this information with DVLA records. - Be Cautious of Unrealistic Prices
If the car is priced much lower than similar vehicles, it may be too good to be true. Always be wary of deals that seem unusually cheap. - Avoid Cash-Only Payments
If the seller insists on a cash-only transaction, it could be an attempt to avoid creating a paper trail. Avoid paying in cash, as it leaves you with no recourse if the car turns out to be cloned. - Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong about the car or the seller, don’t hesitate to walk away. You are not obligated to buy, and it’s better to be cautious.
Why an HPI Check is Essential
The HPI Check is the best way to confirm a car’s history before buying it. The check will tell you if the car has been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Plus, it includes a guarantee that offers financial protection if you unknowingly buy a cloned vehicle.
Conclusion
Taking a few extra steps to verify the history of a car can save you from serious financial and safety risks. By conducting an HPI Check, you ensure the car you’re buying is not a cloned vehicle and that it’s safe to drive. For more information, or to carry out an HPI Check, visit www.hpi.co.uk.
