Car cloning fraud is increasing rapidly, putting many drivers at risk of fines for crimes they did not commit. Experts from Quotezone.co.uk, a car insurance comparison site, are warning motorists to stay vigilant. They advise avoiding posting pictures of cars with visible number plates online and recommend parking vehicles in garages whenever possible.
A recent investigation revealed a 64% rise in car cloning cases in London alone. This type of crime involves criminals stealing or copying a vehicle’s registration plates. They use these plates to commit offenses like speeding or driving in low emission zones without detection. Criminals also use cloned plates to hide the identities of stolen or salvaged cars.
Number plates can be stolen physically or bought from fraudulent sellers. When a vehicle is cloned, the innocent owner may receive fines or penalty points for offenses they never committed. Proving that the fines are unjust can be difficult, which makes prevention very important.
Quotezone.co.uk experts also warn about the risks of buying used cars that might be cloned. Purchasing such a vehicle can cause serious legal and financial trouble. Victims may lose both the car and the money they paid for it.
While car cloning cannot be completely prevented, drivers can reduce their risk. Parking in garages or using car covers to hide number plates are effective steps. Experts also advise caution when sharing images of your car online, as visible plates provide criminals with the information they need to clone your vehicle.
When buying a used car, it is crucial to carefully check the vehicle details. Verify that all Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) match and correspond with the logbook. Anyone worried about buying a cloned car should use the DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service to check the registration number, make, and model.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone, said: “The sharp increase in car cloning in London is very worrying. This crime can have serious consequences for drivers, including fines and penalty points for offenses they did not commit.”
He added, “Some victims have unknowingly bought cloned cars, losing both their vehicle and money. Penalty points can also raise insurance premiums by 5 to 25%, depending on the number of points.”
Wilson emphasized the importance of avoiding posting car pictures online where number plates are clearly visible. “Social media is a goldmine for criminals looking to copy registration details.”
Although insurance companies cannot prevent cloning, some may offer advice or legal support. However, drivers should always check their policy details carefully.
“If you suspect your car has been cloned, report it immediately to the police, DVLA, and your insurer,” Wilson urged. “You should also consider applying for a new registration number to protect yourself.”
