New research from Trusted Dealers has highlighted the dangers of car cloning and log book scams.
The research has revealed that thousands of V5C forms (log books) have been stolen from the DVLA and are being used by criminals to create false identities for cars.
The DVLA is currently replacing all of the current blue vehicle log books with new red ones and anticipates that all of the old log books will have been replaced by the end of the year. Until then, however, car buyers will have to remain vigilant in order to avoid buying a car with a hidden past.
The survey also highlighted the public's lack of awareness of the situation. 81% of those surveyed admitted that they would be unable to spot a forged logbook and 57% were unaware that false documents were in circulation at all.
Trusted Dealer Managing Director, Neil Addley, said, "What continues to be worrying about this case is that despite many of the stolen books still being in circulation, little is being done by the authorities to highlight the risks to buyers."
Trusted Dealers have offered the following tips to anyone considering buying a used car:
- Check the serial number on the V5C. If it falls between BG8229501 and BG9999030, or BI2305501 and BI2800000, do not buy the vehicle and contact the police.
- The Notification of Permanent Export (V5C/4) tear-off slip on the second page of the log book should be mauve on both sides. On the stolen documents, this slip appears mauve on the front and pink on the reverse.
- Use a HPI check before you buy the car and check that all the VIN/Chassis numbers on the vehicle match those in the logbook.
