Drivers are being warned to perform a simple five-minute check that could save them thousands of pounds amid a surge in clone car fraud. Scrap Car Comparison, the UK's leading car salvage marketplace, has reported a sharp increase in vehicles arriving with fake or tampered VIN numbers—the unique 17-character code that holds a vehicle's entire history. The company states that the only way to protect yourself is to inspect the VIN in person before making a purchase.
Rising Used Car Demand and Fraud
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, used car sales in the UK reached 7,807,872 in 2025, the highest figure on record—up 2.1% on 2024 and 15.6% above 2020 levels. Demand shows no sign of slowing, with Q4 2025 transactions up 1.3% year-on-year. At the same time, private car sales have also seen a sharp rise, with online searches for “cars for sale facebook market” up 23% year-on-year, and “facebook marketplace cars for sale near me” up 52%.
Matt Clamp, a used car expert at Scrap Car Comparison, explains: "The volume of cloned and stolen vehicles entering the private sales market right now is something we haven't seen before. Used car demand is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, which is great for the market, but the way people are buying has changed and that's where the danger is. More buyers are going straight to Facebook Marketplace and other private platforms, and fraudsters are exploiting it."
How Convincing Cloned Cars Can Be
Clamp adds: "What concerns me most is how convincing these cars can look. We see vehicles come through every day at Scrap Car Comparison where everything appears legitimate on paper, for example the car has a clean history and proper documentation. But the moment we check the VIN in person, that's where it unravels. The numbers don't match, the stamp has been tampered with, or the code isn't consistent across the car. That's when you realise what you're actually looking at. Any buyer can do this check themselves before handing over a single penny. It takes minutes and it could save you thousands."
He emphasises: "This isn’t something that only mechanics or car experts can do. Any buyer can do this check themselves before purchasing a used car, and it only takes 5-10 minutes. Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and this one simple check could be the difference between buying with confidence and losing thousands to fraud. The people losing money to cloned car fraud aren't doing anything wrong; they just don't know this check exists. That's what we want to change."
How to Check the VIN Number Before You Buy
Check the VIN in Person
The VIN is a 17-character code unique to every vehicle. On a car, it is stamped into the metal on the driver's side dashboard and visible through the windscreen. It should also appear on a plate inside the driver's door frame and in the V5C logbook. If there is any difference between them, even a single digit, do not buy the car and walk away from the deal.
Look Closely at the Stamp Itself
A VIN stamp should be clean and pressed evenly into the metal. Look for signs like uneven spacing, inconsistent lettering, or scratched metal, as these are all indications that it has been tampered with.
Get a HPI Check
Buying a used car without a HPI check, also known as a vehicle history check, is a risk. A HPI check can help you make an informed decision about whether to purchase the car. It provides an in-depth check that shares information on the car’s MOT history, services, road tax, number plate changes, and much more.
Run a Free Check Before You Visit
You should also use the DVLA's free vehicle checker, which tells you the car’s MOT history, any outstanding finance, and if the car has been written off.
Check the V5C Carefully
The logbook must match the VIN exactly. Look for the watermark, check the document reference number is valid, and verify the registered address matches where you are viewing the car. Take your time with these steps.
Never Ignore These Warning Signs
A price that looks too good to be true almost always is. Cloned or stolen cars are usually priced very competitively, so buyers move fast. Avoid any seller pushing for a quick sale, as well as any who are reluctant to meet at the address shown on the V5C.
