EXPERTS have warned that "nobody is safe" from an increasingly common number plate scam that could see you slapped with a fine and even a visit from cops.
The crime could see innocent drivers blamed for a range of offences that they didn't commit.
Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, has now warned that this could leave Brits open to the "growing problem" of car cloning and number plate fraud.
This shady practice sees crooks steal plate numbers already legitimately allocated to other people's cars.
Doing so allows them to brazenly commit offences like speeding or clean air zone violations in full view of ANPR cameras, only for the blame to be pinned on the innocent owner of the vehicle whose identity they have stolen.
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This could see normal motorists slapped with hefty fines for things they haven't done.
In worst-case scenarios where serious crimes are committed using a misidentified motor, law-abiding Brits could even receive a visit from cops.
The case of mistake identity would likely be worked out quite quickly, but it would understandably cause significant distress.
Jake told The Express: "Number plate cloning is a growing problem that puts drivers at risk of being falsely accused of crimes.
"Because of the increased use of ANPR cameras on the roads, we expect the car cloning cases to rise even more, as criminals want to avoid charges, such as the recent ULEZ charges in London.
"No one is safe from cloning criminals, so it’s important to be vigilant and take preventative measures to avert falling victim to getting your car cloned or unknowingly buying a cloned vehicle."
Thankfully he also shared some tips to protect yourself against the threat.
He urged caution online, including refraining from posting pictures of your car on social media in which your number plate is visible.
The expert added: "It’s also worth investing in anti-theft screws for your number plate, as well as paying attention to where you park."
If you believe your plate has been cloned, get in touch with police via 101, unless it's an emergency, as soon as possible.
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You should also report it to the DVLA as early as you can.
It comes after the agency revealed the full list of banned registrations ahead of the release of plate numbers for the year ahead, with over 300 deemed "too rude" for the road.
