What to do if...

A few helpful tips that may be useful if you find your car cloned.

What to do if your car is cloned

Directgove advises that if you are being contacted about fines or charges for which you are not responsible because someone else is using your registration mark, it is possible that your vehicle has been cloned.

Cloning involves the copying of the identity of a similar (non-stolen) vehicle already on the road. Criminals find an exact match of the car they have stolen, they then copy the identity of the legitimate vehicle, therefore making it look legal based on false number plates being fitted.

If you suspect your vehicle has been cloned, the following points will help you avoid becoming a victim of further crime. What you need to do return any fines or correspondence to the issuing authorities providing them with any documentary evidence you have to prove your case write to the:

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea, SA99 1ZA or fax them on 01792 783 083

they will record your correspondence on the vehicle record for future reference contact the police, it is a matter for them to trace and prosecute the culprit to prevent this illegal activity from continuing

What happens next

DVLA will give consideration to issuing a new registration mark on request if satisfied that there is a genuine case of vehicle cloning and that there is a recurring problem. Acceptable evidence might include applications to register and licence a vehicle from someone other than the registered keeper.

For further information, visit the Directgov website.