Simple Ways to Spot an Incorrect VIN
Spotting a wrong VIN number is not hard once you know what to look for. Here are simple steps you can follow:
Check the number length and characters
Every car VIN must have exactly 17 characters, which is a mix of letters and numbers. If the car chassis number is shorter or longer than 17 characters, that’s a big red flag. For example, if you see a VIN with 15 or 18 characters, know that something is fishy. Always count the characters on the VIN plate on the car and compare it with the one in the car’s documents to be sure.
Do they have any of these letters: I, O, or Q
A genuine vehicle VIN decoder will never show the letters I, O, or Q in any authentic VIN. Why? Because they can be mistaken for the numbers 1 or 0. If you see any of these letters when checking vehicle details, it’s a sign that the number might be fake. For example, a VIN like “1HGCM82633O123456” is wrong because of the “O.” Always take a moment to double-check the VIN tags for this.
VIN on the car doesn’t match the VIN on the papers
One of the easiest ways to spot a scam is when the car VIN doesn’t match the VIN on the documents (customs papers, proof of ownership, or import clearance). Always check the VIN tags on the dashboard, door frame, or engine, and compare them with the papers. If they don’t match, it’s a clear sign that the car has fake papers or has been tampered with.
Compare VINs in different spots
A car’s VIN usually appears in more than one place, like on the dashboard, the driver’s side door, the engine block, or even under the bonnet. To be sure the auto VIN number hasn’t been tampered with, check all these spots and confirm they match. If the VIN plate on the dashboard looks scratched or different from the one on the engine, that’s a big red flag.
Run a VIN check
This is the most important step. Don’t just trust what you see; always run the VIN through an online VIN decoder or vehicle identification number decoder service like tokunbo.io. A proper VIN check will confirm things like:
- Does the car truly match the VIN details?
- What’s the car’s history (accidents, floods, theft, etc.)?
- Manufacturing details and specifications (year, model, country of origin).
With a good car VIN decoder, you can quickly spot when something doesn’t add up and avoid wasting money on the wrong car.
Don't Let VIN Issues Cost You Your Hard-Earned Money
Spending a few thousand naira on a proper car VIN decoder service can save you millions. We've all heard stories of people who bought cars only to have them seized by police because they were stolen, or discovered major accident damage that wasn't disclosed.
So, don’t let a fake VIN number turn your dream car into a nightmare. Take a few minutes to check the car chassis number properly, and you’ll avoid losing money or facing legal trouble.