How Criminals Clone Car Identities (And How to Spot It)

What Is Car Cloning?

Car cloning is when criminals copy a legitimate vehicle’s identity to disguise another car - usually stolen or written off.

They steal the number plates, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and even logbook details from a real car of the same make, model, and colour. Once cloned, the fake car looks completely genuine on the surface.

For example:
A criminal steals a white 2020 Ford Fiesta. They find another identical Fiesta legally registered in the UK. They then copy that car’s number plate and VIN. Now, when cameras or police scan the cloned car, it appears legal in the system.

Why Do Criminals Clone Cars?

Cloning is used to make stolen cars look legitimate. But it’s not the only reason. Criminals use cloned identities for several purposes -

1. To sell stolen cars to unsuspecting buyers

   • A cloned car can be sold online or at a fake dealership for quick profit.

2. To avoid speeding or congestion fines

   • The real owner gets hit with penalty notices for offences they didn’t commit.

3. To move illegal goods

   • Criminals use cloned vehicles in drug or theft operations to hide their real identities.

4. To dodge ANPR systems

   • Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras can’t distinguish a cloned car from the real one.

In most cases, the victims are innocent buyers who purchase what they think is a genuine used car - until the police come knocking.

How Common Is Car Cloning in the UK?

The numbers are alarming. According to the DVLA and UK police reports, car cloning incidents have surged by more than 20% year-on-year since 2021.

• Over 20,000 cloned car cases were reported in 2024.

• Experts believe many more go unreported.

• Metropolitan Police warn that criminals are increasingly targeting popular models like the Ford Fiesta, VW Golf, BMW 1 Series, and Toyota Yaris.

The reason cloning is spreading fast is simple - the process is cheap, quick, and surprisingly easy to execute with fake documentation available online.

How Car Cloning Actually Works (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through how a typical cloning scam plays out.

Step 1: Choosing the Target

Criminals start by selecting a car to clone. They look for:

• Common makes and models

• Matching colours

• Similar trim or wheel designs

Cars like white Ford Fiestas or grey VW Golfs are ideal because they blend in and are everywhere on UK roads.

Step 2: Finding the Identity

They then find a legitimate car with the same model and colour. They might spot it on the road, in a car park, or even online in a classified ad.

From there, they note down the number plate (VRM) and sometimes the VIN if they get close enough.

Step 3: Creating Fake Documents

Fake logbooks (V5Cs), MOT certificates, and service records can be bought online for as little as £20. Some are high-quality forgeries that fool casual buyers.

Step 4: Changing the Plates

The stolen or damaged car is fitted with cloned plates matching the legitimate vehicle.

Step 5: Selling or Using the Car

Once disguised, the car can be:

• Sold to unsuspecting buyers via platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree

• Used for criminal activity

• Driven freely until it’s seized

The Real Victims of Car Cloning

There are usually two victims in every cloning case -

1. The Real Owner

   • They receive speeding fines, parking charges, or toll penalties.

   • Police might stop or even seize their real car during investigations.

2. The Innocent Buyer

   • They unknowingly buy the cloned vehicle.

   • Once discovered, police seize the car and return it to the rightful owner or insurance company.

   • The buyer loses both the car and the money spent - with little legal protection.

That’s why it’s critical to run a car history check before buying. Services like TopCarCheck.co.uk instantly flag potential cloning or identity red flags, saving you from massive losses.

Red Flags That Could Indicate a Cloned Car

Even a polished ad or charming seller can’t always hide the signs. Here’s what to watch for when viewing a used car.

Always insist on viewing the car at the seller’s home address and compare all documentation carefully.

How to Check if a Car Is Cloned (Before Buying)

A cloned car can look perfect, but there are ways to uncover the truth.

1. Check the VIN

Every vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number. Compare the VIN on:

• The V5C logbook

• The windscreen corner plate

• The driver’s door sill

• Under the bonnet

All numbers must match perfectly.

2. Run a Full Car History Check

The fastest and most reliable way to spot cloning is through a TopCarCheck.co.uk vehicle report.

It shows you -

• VIN and number plate consistency

• Outstanding finance or stolen status

• MOT and mileage records

• Written-off or salvage history

• Previous plate changes

If the data doesn’t line up, walk away immediately.

3. Verify the Logbook (V5C)

Real V5C documents have a watermark and a unique serial number starting with specific prefixes (like “BG” or “BI”). Fake versions often look slightly off in colour or paper texture.

You can check if a logbook is genuine using the DVLA’s stolen logbook list.

4. Inspect the Plates

Fake plates sometimes use unusual fonts or poor spacing. Check that the supplier’s name is printed along the bottom edge - legal UK plates must display it.

5. Meet the Seller in Person

Avoid meeting in car parks or motorway services. Always check that the address on the logbook matches where the car is kept.

What to Do If You Suspect a Car Is Cloned

If anything feels suspicious - stop the purchase immediately.

Here’s what you should do -

1. Contact the police (101) and report your concerns.

2. Avoid transferring money or handing over personal details.

3. Run a car history check at TopCarCheck.co.uk to confirm if the car has been reported stolen or flagged by insurance companies.

4. If you’ve already bought the car, contact your insurer and local police right away.

Unfortunately, if the car turns out to be cloned, you won’t get to keep it - even if you bought it in good faith.

How to Protect Yourself From Buying a Cloned Car

Here are the best ways to stay safe:

1. Always Check the History First

A quick car history check is your best defence. TopCarCheck.co.uk can reveal:

• If the vehicle is stolen or cloned

• Whether there’s outstanding finance

• Any mileage tampering or MOT inconsistencies

It’s a small cost compared to losing thousands on a fake car.

2. Buy from Trusted Sources

Franchised dealers and well-known used car networks are safer. Avoid private sellers who can’t provide full documentation.

3. Ask for Photo ID

If buying privately, always ask to see the seller’s driving licence or proof of address. Check that it matches the name on the V5C.

4. Avoid Cash Deals

Use traceable payment methods like bank transfers. Scammers prefer cash because it leaves no trail.

5. Research the Number Plate

Search the registration online to see if the car appears in other ads. If it’s listed in multiple places or locations, that’s a major red flag.

Cloning and Keyless Theft - The Modern Combination

Many cloning operations start with keyless car theft. Criminals use signal amplifiers to capture the key’s code from your house, unlock the car, and drive off in seconds.

They then clone the identity of a legitimate vehicle to make the stolen one appear clean.

To protect against keyless theft:

• Use a Faraday pouch for your keys.

• Park in a well-lit, secure area.

• Consider steering wheel locks or immobilisers.

What Happens If You Buy a Cloned Car?

Unfortunately, the law offers little protection.
If the police discover the car is cloned, it’s seized and returned to the rightful owner or insurer. You lose the vehicle and your money.

You can try to claim against the seller, but most are untraceable or use false identities. That’s why prevention is key.

A simple car history check before buying can save you from the nightmare entirely.

Famous UK Car Cloning Cases

Some high-profile cases show just how widespread the issue has become.

• 2023 - London: A man bought a £20,000 BMW 3 Series privately online. A month later, police seized it after discovering the VIN had been re-stamped.

• 2024 - Manchester: More than 100 cloned vehicles were uncovered in a single police operation linked to an organised crime group.

• 2025 - Birmingham: Police warned that cloned EVs were on the rise as thieves target high-value Teslas and Kias for parts.

The Bottom Line - Stay Smart, Stay Protected

Car cloning is one of the most frustrating crimes on UK roads. It’s sneaky, sophisticated, and can cost honest buyers thousands.

But with awareness and a few smart steps, you can protect yourself.

Before you buy any used car, run a TopCarCheck.co.uk report. You’ll instantly see if the car has a clean record or signs of cloning, mileage tampering, or outstanding finance.

Buying used doesn’t have to be risky - not when you’ve got the facts on your side.

✅ Final Thoughts

Car cloning might be on the rise, but you don’t have to be a victim.
By taking just a few minutes to verify a vehicle’s identity, you can dodge one of the costliest scams in the used car market.

At TopCarCheck.co.uk, you can check a car’s full background using its registration number - it’s fast, accurate, and trusted across the UK.

Your next car could be a great deal - just make sure it’s not a clone.