The number of cases of car cloning has surged in recent years, with criminals using the technique to avoid the consequences of motoring offences, and to hide stolen vehicles
Drivers across the UK are being warned to keep their eyes peeled and follow crucial advice as vehicle cloning incidents surge nationwide. A BBC investigation has revealed that in London alone, instances of number plate duplication by criminals have shot up by a staggering 64 per cent between 2021 and 2023, with similar trends reported in other regions.
Greg Wilson, CEO at insurance comparison site Quotezone, has raised the alarming increase, warning that such criminal activity could land innocent drivers in hot water for traffic violations they never committed. He stated: “The sharp rise in car cloning across London is very worrying and highlights a need for more awareness around the crime, as all drivers are susceptible to this growing type of fraud.
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“Car cloning is not just a minor inconvenience – it can have serious legal and financial consequences for victims, who often find themselves receiving fines or penalty points for offences they had no part in.”
The sinister practice of car cloning involves swiping a legitimate number plate and slapping it onto a doppelganger vehicle, reports the Express. The usual motive behind this trickery is to commit crimes like speeding or dodging fees in clean air zones without getting caught.
But there’s more; some nicked motors get decked out with cloned plates to mask their true identity, leaving some second-hand car buyers with a ride that has a murky past.
Quotezone has come forward to advise that, while it’s virtually impossible to completely shield your car from number plate cloning, there are strategies that can help reduce the risk.
Gary from Quotezone emphasized the dangers of social media and the wisdom of avoiding posting photos where your car’s registration can be seen.
He warned motorists: “Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent car cloning, but there are ways motorists can minimise the risk.”
He also cautioned: “It’s also not sensible to share pictures of your vehicle online where the number plate is clearly visible – social media can be a goldmine for those looking to illegally copy registration details.”
Gary also highlighted the particular pitfalls faced by those in the market for a second-hand car.
He explained further, saying: “In some cases, people have unknowingly bought cloned vehicles and lost both the car and the money they paid for it. An increase in penalty points can also increase insurance premiums from five to 25 percent, depending on the number of points accrued.”
Among their recommendations, Quotezone urges buyers to meticulously check the vehicle’s paperwork to confirm that number plates are legitimate and to verify that the car’s mileage and specifications correspond with the MOT history available online.