Everything you need to know about car cloning

What is car cloning?

Car cloning is when criminals steal a car’s identity by copying its number plates and putting them on another vehicle - usually one that’s been stolen or used for dodgy activity. The cloned car is then used to commit offences like speeding or avoiding congestion charges, leaving the innocent driver to deal with the fallout. If your car’s been cloned, you might start receiving fines or penalty points for things you didn’t do. That’s why it’s so important to check a vehicle’s details thoroughly before buying, especially if the deal seems too good to be true.

How does car cloning work? 

To clone a car, criminals copy the details of a car onto a stolen or otherwise illegal vehicle to make it look legitimate. These might include: 

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

The VIN is a 17-digit number that identifies a specific vehicle. It’s like a human fingerprint – no two VINs are the same. This number provides information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer, the make and model, the year it was manufactured and any unique features.  

You’ll find your car’s VIN in several places, including inside the glove compartment, the right-hand dash panel, stamped into the chassis and at the bottom of your windscreen. The car’s V5C document will also detail the VIN.  

Because the VIN is on parts of the car that are accessible from the outside, criminals can make a note of it and then use it to replace the VIN of a stolen vehicle. 

To an uninformed person, the car would look legitimate, provided the VIN on the V5C paperwork matches the VIN on the car.  

Number plates 

Number plates are, unfortunately, relatively easy to clone. Criminals will look online for car ads featuring the same make, model and colour of car they are trying to disguise and create fake number plates for it.  

One reason it’s so easy to do this is because companies produce ‘show plates’ for cars they are selling. These plates don’t have the legal markings necessary for a number plate. That means criminals can get one of these plates made with any registration number they want.  

The VIN is normally not changed when this method is used, as speed cameras and other security cameras are unable to pick up the VIN from the car’s windscreen. 

How to stop car keys being cloned

With more vehicles using keyless entry systems, car key cloning - often called a relay attack - is a growing worry for car owners. Thieves use signal-boosting devices to trick your car into thinking the key is nearby, unlocking it and driving away without ever touching the actual fob. 

Luckily, here are some simple steps you can take to protect your vehicle.

Top tips to keep your keyless car safe:

• Use a signal-blocking pouch or box – Also known as a Faraday pouch, this blocks the signal from your key when it’s not in use. Just pop your fob inside and keep it away from doors and windows.

• Turn off keyless entry (if possible) – Some manufacturers allow you to disable the wireless signal manually. Check your vehicle’s handbook or speak to your dealer.

• Keep your keys out of sight at home – Avoid leaving them near the front door, windows or hallway, where the signal is easier to intercept.

• Use a steering wheel lock – It might seem old school, but visible deterrents like these can make thieves think twice.

• Stay up to date with software updates – Your car manufacturer may release updates that enhance security, so it’s worth booking in with your dealer.

If you’re concerned about how key cloning could affect your cover, it’s worth speaking to your insurer. 1st Central’s car insurance includes theft protection, and our team is always here to help if the worst happens.

How do you know if your car has been cloned? 

Until it’s used in a crime, you’re unlikely to know that your car has been cloned. 

Getting a fine in the post for speeding or another motoring offence you know you didn’t commit may be the first sign that you’ve been a victim of car cloning.  

You may also get pulled over by the police or even get a visit from them at home if the cloned car has been used in a more serious crime, like robbery.  

You’ll also know your car has been cloned if you happen to see the cloned car in the street, although this is pretty unlikely to happen.  

What to do if your car has been cloned 

If you’re questioned about a crime involving a cloned car, you’ll need to show where you were when the crime took place, as well as proving that your car is legitimate. 

If you’ve received a fine you know is incorrect, first go to the police and tell them you think you’ve been a victim of car cloning. You’ll receive a crime reference number. You’ll then need to find as much evidence as possible to prove the fine is incorrect. 

This could include receipts from shops that prove you were somewhere else at the time, timestamped video and even witness statements that prove your whereabouts. 

Once you have everything, contact whoever issued the fine and tell them your car has been cloned. They’ll then halt the fine while the investigation is happening.  

 It is also suggested to report it immediately to Action Fraud and contact the DVLA to clear your name. Informing your insurance provider- like 1st Central - so they can support you through the process.

How to prevent your car being cloned?

Here are some practical steps drivers can take to help prevent car cloning:

• Park in well-lit, secure areas – especially those with CCTV, to deter number plate thieves.

• Use anti-theft number plate screws – these make it harder for criminals to remove and reuse your plates.

• Check your car regularly – make sure the number plates haven’t been tampered with or swapped.

• Be cautious when selling or sharing photos – avoid posting pictures of your full number plate online.

• Use a vehicle marking kit – like SmartWater or similar, to help identify your car if it’s stolen.

• Report suspicious fines or letters – if you start getting penalties for places you haven’t been, contact the DVLA and police straight away.

• Do a history check when buying – verify the vehicle’s details match up with the logbook (V5C) and check for duplicate records online.

While these steps can’t guarantee your car’s protection, they can make your vehicle less of an easy target for cloners.

If you’d like more information on fines, check out our blog on the most common fines and how to avoid them. 

FAQS:

How can I check if a car I’m buying has been cloned?

Before buying a used vehicle, always do a vehicle history check through a reputable service. Make sure the V5C logbook matches the car’s details, and check for signs of tampering. You can also use the GOV.UK MOT history tool to verify its past.

Can car cloning affect my insurance?

Yes—if your car is cloned and linked to driving offences or accidents, it could cause complications with your insurance. It’s important to contact us here, so they can investigate and protect your policy.

Are personalised number plates more vulnerable to cloning?

Personalised plates can stand out more, which may make them more attractive to cloners. Whether your plate is standard or private, consider using anti-theft screws and regularly check that your plates haven’t been swapped or tampered with.

How do I make a police report about car cloning?

You should contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can file a report online or by calling 0300 123 2040. It’s also worth contacting your local police with any relevant evidence.