How Fake MOTs Are Still a Thing (And How to Spot Them)

Let’s break down how this scam is still happening in 2025, why it’s so dangerous, and how you can avoid getting stitched up.

Why Are People Still Faking MOTs?

It comes down to one thing: money.

A valid MOT gives a used car credibility. It helps sellers ask for higher prices and convinces buyers that the vehicle is roadworthy. But for cars that wouldn’t stand a chance at passing a proper inspection - maybe due to rust, brake issues or suspension faults - a dodgy seller might fake the paperwork to get it off their hands quickly.

These scammers rely on the fact that many buyers won’t dig deeper.

What a Fake MOT Might Look Like

At a glance, a fake MOT certificate can look pretty convincing. But if you know what to look for, there are a few tell-tale signs.

1. Outdated Design

DVSA has changed the format of MOT certificates over the years. If it looks like something from 2015, alarm bells should be ringing.

2. No Matching Online Record

This one’s big. Every genuine MOT in the UK is logged on the government’s MOT database. If the certificate doesn’t match what’s on the DVLA’s official MOT checker - or isn’t there at all - it’s likely fake.

3. Suspicious Testing Station Info

Some dodgy sellers print fake certificates with made-up garage details. Check the garage’s name and postcode to see if they even exist.

4. Typos or Weird Formatting

If the certificate looks like it was made in Word by someone in a rush, trust your gut. Genuine MOTs are clean and consistent.

How Fake MOTs Slip Through

You might be wondering - how are these not being caught?

Well, paper MOTs can still be printed and handed over. And not every buyer knows they can (and should) check online. Some people just trust the seller and drive off, unaware they’ve been conned.

Also, not all garages are squeaky clean. Some rogue testers might hand out a "pass" in exchange for cash - without ever putting the car on a ramp. While rare, it still happens.

Real-Life Example: Jason’s Costly Mistake

Jason from Leeds thought he scored a bargain on a 2014 Ford Focus. The seller said it had a fresh MOT, and the paper certificate looked fine.

But when Jason checked the official MOT history online, nothing showed up. Turns out, the certificate was fake. The car hadn’t been tested in over two years - and the brakes were so worn, it failed the next real MOT miserably.

He ended up shelling out over £1,000 in repairs just to make it road-legal.

How to Protect Yourself from a Fake MOT

Don’t worry - you don’t have to be a mechanic or Sherlock Holmes to protect yourself. Here’s how to stay one step ahead.

✅ Always Check the MOT Online

Use the official DVSA MOT checker or run a full car history report through TopCarCheck.co.uk. It pulls data straight from DVLA, giving you the real MOT dates, advisories, failures and mileage records.

It takes two minutes and could save you thousands.

✅ Look at the MOT History - Not Just the Latest Pass

A car might have a recent pass, but what did previous MOTs say?

• Was it failing every year on major faults?

• Did the mileage suddenly drop?

• Was it off the road for years?

You’ll spot a dodgy pattern pretty quickly.

✅ Cross-Check the Garage Info

Search the garage name and address printed on the MOT certificate. If you can’t find any trace of it online, it might be made up.

Even better, call them to confirm the MOT was done. Most reputable places won’t mind verifying a recent test.

MOT vs Service History: Don’t Mix Them Up

Some sellers try to blur the lines between MOT and service records. A service stamp means the car was looked after - but it says nothing about roadworthiness. The MOT is the legal safety standard.

Make sure the car’s MOT is legit, and don’t let someone fob you off with a few oil change receipts.

Is Buying a Car Without an MOT Legal?

Technically, yes - but it comes with big risks.

You can legally buy a car without an MOT, but you can’t legally drive it (except to a pre-booked MOT appointment). More importantly, a car with no MOT history might have been sitting unused or hiding serious issues.

If a seller’s avoiding the MOT discussion, walk away.

Warning Signs a Seller Might Be Hiding a Fake MOT

Watch out for these red flags:

• They insist you “don’t worry about the MOT” because the car “runs great”

• They won’t let you see the certificate or say they’ll “send it later”

• The mileage on the odometer doesn’t match the last MOT record

• The seller refuses to meet at their home or a fixed location

Your instincts matter. If it feels off, it probably is.

Where Fake MOTs Are Most Common

You’re more likely to run into fake MOTs in:

• Private sales through online marketplaces like Facebook or Gumtree

• Pop-up dealers who don’t have a proper forecourt

• Cars sold “as seen” with no test drives or inspections allowed

That doesn’t mean all private sellers are scammers - but you’ve got to be more vigilant.

The Role of a Vehicle History Check

A proper vehicle history check isn’t just about MOTs - it gives you the whole picture. At TopCarCheck.co.uk, we include:

• MOT history with full pass/fail/advisory notes

• Mileage verification

• Outstanding finance

• Write-off status

• Stolen vehicle check

• Previous owners

Basically, everything the seller doesn’t want you to know.

What To Do If You Suspect a Fake MOT

Bought a car and think the MOT’s dodgy? Here’s your next move:

1. Stop driving the car immediately - it could be unsafe.

2. Report the issue to DVSA and Trading Standards.

3. Get a new MOT test at a trusted garage to find out what’s really going on.

4. Speak to a solicitor or consumer protection advisor if you want to take action against the seller.

You might also want to leave reviews or post warnings on seller platforms to protect others.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Stung

Fake MOTs in the UK might sound like a thing of the past, but they’re still doing the rounds - especially in private sales. The good news? You can protect yourself by checking the MOT online and running a proper vehicle history report.

Think of it like this: would you buy a house without a survey? Then don’t buy a car without checking the MOT.

Start your check now at TopCarCheck.co.uk and dodge the fakes for good.