Why Some UK Cars Are More Likely to Have Fraudulent Histories

If you’ve ever wondered why certain models seem to pop up in scams more than others, you’re not imagining it. Fraud isn’t random - some cars are more “at risk” because of their popularity, value, or even how easy they are to clock.

In this guide, we’ll break down why some UK cars are more likely to have fraudulent histories, what kinds of scams are most common, and how you can use a vehicle history check to protect yourself before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

What Do We Mean by “Fraudulent Histories”?

When we talk about fraudulent car histories, we’re referring to any situation where the information about the vehicle has been manipulated, hidden, or misrepresented to make it more appealing to a buyer.

Some of the most common types include:

• Clocked mileage - odometer wound back to look lower.

• Cloned vehicles - stolen cars given a new identity using a legitimate car’s details.

• Outstanding finance - car still technically owned by a lender.

• Concealed write-offs - accident or flood-damaged cars sold as “clean.”

• Fake service records - invented or tampered paperwork.

These tricks can make a used car look like a bargain - but in reality, they leave buyers out of pocket or even in legal trouble.

Why Are Some Cars More Vulnerable Than Others?

Not every car is equally likely to be targeted by fraud. Certain factors make some cars stand out as prime candidates for dodgy dealings.

1. Popularity

   • The more common a car is, the easier it is to disguise fraudulent activity. If there are thousands of Ford Fiestas on the road, a clocked or cloned one is less likely to raise suspicion.

2. High resale demand

   • Cars that shift quickly on the used market (like VW Golfs or BMW 3 Series) are attractive targets for scammers.

3. Premium branding

   • Luxury cars carry higher values, which means bigger profits for fraudsters.

4. Easily clocked

   • Some older cars and models without advanced digital odometers are simpler to tamper with.

5. Fleet and lease cars

   • Ex-fleet cars often rack up massive mileage. Sellers may clock them to make them appear more attractive.

Cars Most Likely to Carry Fraudulent Histories

Here are some of the cars most often linked to fraudulent histories in the UK market:

1. BMW 3 Series

• Popular as both fleet and private cars.

• Frequently clocked because high motorway miles slash resale values.

• Premium badge makes it lucrative for fraudsters.

2. Audi A3 & A4

• Commonly targeted due to demand and prestige branding.

• Write-off concealment is common, with cars repaired on the cheap.

• Diesel models often have DPF issues - sometimes hidden from buyers.

3. Ford Fiesta

• The UK’s best-selling car for years.

• High accident rates (thanks to popularity with younger drivers) mean plenty of hidden write-offs.

• Clocking is harder to spot because of the sheer number on the market.

4. Vauxhall Corsa

• Another first-car favourite.

• Fraudsters target them because buyers often don’t run checks on “cheap” cars.

• Airbag issues and accident repairs are commonly hidden.

5. Volkswagen Golf

• Frequently modified, with many being sold with undeclared remaps or changes.

• Cloning is also an issue due to how many Golfs are on the road.

6. Mercedes C-Class

• Premium image means higher profits if fraud succeeds.

• Mileage tampering and undeclared finance are common.

7. Range Rover Evoque

• Expensive to repair and maintain.

• Fraudsters often hide accident damage or flood repairs.

Table: Cars and Their Common Fraud Risks

Real-Life Example: The Clocked Company Car

Take a BMW 320d that’s been used for business leasing. In three years, it racks up 100,000 motorway miles. Once returned, a dishonest trader rolls the odometer back to 45,000. Suddenly, that £6,000 car can be listed for £9,000. Without a car history check, a buyer would never know the difference.

Why Mileage Fraud Is Still a Huge Problem

Despite advances in technology, clocking hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s getting more sophisticated.

• Digital odometers can still be hacked.

• Imports may not have consistent mileage records.

• Buyers don’t always cross-check MOT history online.

The result? Thousands of UK drivers unknowingly buy cars with incorrect mileage every year.

How Finance Fraud Hits Buyers

Another hidden trap is outstanding finance. If a car is still on a finance agreement, the lender - not the seller - is the legal owner. That means if you buy it, the finance company can repossess it, leaving you without the car or your money.

This happens most often with premium cars like Mercedes, BMW, and Range Rover, where finance agreements are common.

How to Protect Yourself From Fraudulent Histories

So how do you avoid being caught out? Here’s your checklist:

1. Run a vehicle history check

   • Reveals write-offs, finance, mileage discrepancies, and stolen status.

2. Check MOT history

   • Free to do online. Look for consistent mileage records.

3. Inspect paperwork closely

   • Fake service records are common - check stamps and receipts.

4. Look for signs of cloning

   • Number plates don’t match documents, VIN tampered, or seller reluctant to provide ID.

5. Trust your instincts

   • If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.

FAQs: Fraudulent Car Histories in the UK

1. How common is car fraud in the UK?
Very common. Thousands of cars each year are sold with some form of hidden history.

2. Are cheap cars more likely to be fraudulent?
Not necessarily. Luxury cars attract fraud too, especially with finance scams.

3. Can a dealer sell me a fraudulent car?
Yes - not all dealers are trustworthy. Always run your own checks.

4. Are clocked cars illegal?
Yes. Odometer tampering is a criminal offence, but proving intent can be tricky.

5. Will insurance cover me if I buy a cloned car?
No. If you buy a cloned or stolen car, you could lose both the car and your money.

Final Word: Don’t Let Fraudsters Win

Fraudulent car histories aren’t just rare scams - they’re a daily reality in the UK used car market. Some models are more likely to be targeted because of their value, demand, or ease of disguise. From clocked BMWs to cloned Golfs, the risks are real and costly.

The good news? You don’t have to fall for it. A quick car history check will instantly reveal the truth about any car you’re considering. Pair that with some common-sense checks and you’ll have the confidence to buy smart, not scared.

Remember - the only thing worse than overpaying for a car is discovering too late that it was never what it seemed in the first place.