Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

Car owners are being warned of a potential car cloning epidemic.

Police forces up and down the UK have reported a rise in the crime, which involves the theft of number plates which are then attached to another vehicle and used to commit crimes or sold on.

It means innocent drivers are receiving fines for offences they have not committed, which if unreported could affect their car insurance premiums.

"Car cloning is big business," says Roger Powell, general manager of MyCarCheck.com.

"Police forces across the country have reported a rise in the number of licence plates being pinched from cars and then used to disguise stolen or illegal vehicles which are then sold on to unsuspecting buyers."

Car owners are often blissfully unaware that they are the victim of car cloning until they receive a bill, or worse still a visit from the police in relation to a criminal offence.

"There is not a day goes by without innocent people calling MyCarCheck.com and telling us about how they have become victims," adds Mr Powell.

"Often people pay thousands for a new car only to find it has been stolen or has previously been involved in an accident before being given a false identity and put back on the road.

"The only way to check is to make sure the registration plate matches the vehicle identification number on the chassis and elsewhere," he concludes.

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