Everything You Need to Know About Car Cloning

In today’s digital age, more and more businesses that rely on transport have turned to vehicle tracking systems. Whether managing a handful of vans or a large fleet of lorries, co

Introduction

Car cloning is a growing form of vehicle identity theft in the UK, where criminals disguise one car to look like another. By stealing registration numbers or copying key identifiers from genuine vehicles, they can make stolen or illegal cars appear legitimate.

While it might sound like something that happens rarely, car cloning is becoming increasingly common due to online advertising and modern keyless entry systems. The risk isn’t just to stolen cars — innocent drivers can also find themselves caught up in fines, police investigations, or insurance complications when their car’s identity is copied.

Understanding how car cloning happens and what steps to take can help protect you, your car, and your insurance record.

1. What Is Car Cloning?

1.1 Explanation of Cloning Criminals’ Tactics

Car cloning happens when criminals steal the identity of a genuine vehicle by copying its registration number, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), or both. They then attach these details to another car, often one that’s stolen, unregistered, or involved in criminal activity.

Once disguised, the cloned car can be used to commit offences such as speeding, driving without insurance, or avoiding congestion and toll charges. Unfortunately, the real owner of the genuine vehicle often receives the penalties, letters, or fines that result.

1.2 How VINs and Registration Plates Are Misused

Every car has a unique VIN — a 17-digit number that identifies its manufacturer, model, and production details. Criminals can record VINs from vehicles parked on the street or listed for sale online, then use these to forge false documentation and make cloned cars appear legitimate.

Registration plates are even easier to duplicate. Fraudsters can order fake number plates online by using a legitimate registration number from a vehicle of the same make, model, and colour. Once fitted, it becomes difficult for cameras and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems to distinguish between the real and cloned car.

2. How Car Cloning Works

2.1 Fraudulent Use of VIN / Vehicle Identity

In many cloning cases, criminals copy the VIN from a legitimate vehicle and attach it to a stolen car. They may also alter the paperwork, including the logbook (V5C), to match the new false identity. This makes it appear as though the vehicle is properly registered, even though it has a hidden history.

A buyer who doesn’t check the VIN carefully could unknowingly purchase a cloned car, only to later lose it when the authorities discover the fraud.

2.2 Cloning Number Plates

Criminals frequently target number plates because they’re visible and easy to reproduce. They might find photos of cars on selling sites, social media posts, or car forums showing registration numbers. By creating duplicates, they can drive the cloned car freely while shifting blame for any traffic offences to the innocent owner of the original vehicle.

This type of cloning typically goes unnoticed until the genuine driver receives penalty notices for places they’ve never visited.

2.3 Key Cloning / Relay Attacks

With the rise of keyless entry systems, criminals have developed new ways to gain access to cars without physically stealing the keys. Known as relay attacks, this method uses signal-boosting devices to trick your car into thinking the key fob is nearby. Once the signal is intercepted, thieves can unlock and start the car, driving away within seconds.

This form of electronic theft is increasingly common in urban areas, especially with high-value or keyless models.

3. Signs Your Car Might Be Cloned

3.1 Unexpected Fines or Penalty Notices

One of the first signs of car cloning is receiving parking tickets, speeding fines, or congestion charge notices for locations you haven’t visited. If these letters contain details matching your car’s registration and model, it may indicate that your plate has been duplicated.

3.2 Being Pulled Over or Cited for Crimes

If your vehicle has been cloned, there’s a risk of being stopped by police officers investigating offences committed by the duplicate car. In some cases, officers may visit your home or workplace if the cloned vehicle is linked to more serious incidents, such as theft or dangerous driving.

3.3 Seeing a Similar Car in the Area

Although rare, some drivers discover their car has been cloned after spotting an identical make, model, and registration number on the road or parked nearby. If this happens, note down the time, location, and any visible differences, then report it immediately to the authorities.

4. What to Do If Your Car Has Been Cloned

4.1 Contact Police and Get a Crime Reference Number

If you suspect your vehicle has been cloned, contact the police straight away. They’ll record the incident and provide a crime reference number, which is essential for any appeals or insurance claims later on.

4.2 Collect Proof (Receipts, Timestamps, Witnesses)

Gather as much evidence as possible to show where your vehicle was at the time the offence occurred. This could include dated receipts, dashcam footage, CCTV images, or witness statements confirming your location. Having this proof will help the police and relevant authorities clear your name.

4.3 Inform DVLA and Insurance Provider

You should also notify the DVLA, which can flag your registration on its system. This helps prevent further misuse of your vehicle identity. Contact your insurance company too — they can offer support and ensure your policy remains unaffected while the matter is investigated.

5. How to Prevent Car Cloning

5.1 Parking in Secure, Well-Lit Areas

Whenever possible, park in secure locations such as garages, driveways, or monitored car parks. Well-lit areas with CCTV are less attractive to criminals, as they increase the chance of being caught.

5.2 Using Anti-Theft Screws for Number Plates

Special anti-theft screws make it difficult for thieves to remove or replace number plates. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and an effective deterrent against opportunistic theft.

5.3 Regular Vehicle Inspection for Tampering

Check your number plates regularly to ensure they haven’t been tampered with or replaced. Look for mismatched screws, loose fittings, or unusual markings that could suggest interference.

5.4 Avoid Showing Full Registration Numbers Online

When selling a car or posting pictures on social media, blur or cover your number plate. Criminals often use online listings to find vehicle details for cloning.

5.5 Use Vehicle Marking Kits (e.g. SmartWater)

Vehicle marking kits use invisible ink or microdot technology to mark parts of your car with a traceable code. This makes it easier for police to identify your vehicle if it’s stolen and helps deter cloning or resale attempts.

5.6 Prompt Action on Suspect Fines or Letters

If you receive fines or letters for offences that don’t match your driving history, don’t ignore them. Contact the issuing authority immediately to explain your suspicion of cloning and provide your crime reference number.

5.7 Buying Used Cars: History Checks, Verifying Logbook

When buying a used car, always check that the vehicle’s VIN matches the one printed on the V5C logbook. Use trusted vehicle check services and the government’s MOT history tool to verify authenticity. Be cautious of prices that seem unusually low — they could be a sign of a cloned or stolen vehicle.

6. FAQs

How to check if a car is cloned before buying?
Use a reputable vehicle history check and ensure that all details match across the car, logbook, and MOT records. Inspect VIN locations carefully and confirm with the DVLA if anything seems suspicious.

Will cloning affect your insurance?
Yes, if your vehicle is cloned, it can temporarily affect your insurance record while investigations are ongoing. Always report incidents to your insurer promptly so they can assist with documentation and prevent future issues.

Are personalised number plates more vulnerable?
Personalised or distinctive number plates can attract attention and may be targeted more often. Whether your plate is standard or custom, using anti-theft screws and regular checks can help prevent cloning.

How to file a police report about cloning?
Contact your local police station or report online via Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime centre. You can also call 0300 123 2040. Once reported, keep a record of your crime reference number for future correspondence.

Conclusion

Car cloning can happen to anyone, but understanding how it works and taking a few simple precautions can make a big difference. Keep your vehicle secure, protect your number plates, and stay alert to any unexpected fines or letters.

If you ever suspect cloning, act quickly — gather evidence, contact the police, inform the DVLA, and notify your insurer. With awareness and vigilance, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim and keep your car’s identity protected.