How VIN Cloning Works
Here’s a simple example to show exactly how car cloning happens:
Meet Emeka, who owns a legitimate 2018 Toyota Camry registered in Lagos. His car has a clean vehicle title and proper documentation. Meanwhile, across town, criminals have stolen an identical 2018 Toyota Camry.
Here's what the thieves do:
Target Selection: They spot Emeka's car in a parking lot and copy the VIN from his car's VIN plate along with other vehicle details.
Document Creation: Using Emeka's vehicle VIN and registration information, they forge fake documents to make the stolen car look officially registered.
Physical Changes: They replace the stolen car's VIN plate so it matches Emeka's vehicle number.
Sale Preparation: They clean up the stolen car and get it ready for sale. Now, the car has the same details as Emeka’s car.
Now, when the car is sold and the buyer runs a VIN check, they’ll see Emeka’s car history, because the stolen car is pretending to be his.
Why VIN Cloning is Risky for Car Buyers
Buying cloned vehicles exposes you to several major risks that aren’t always obvious until after the purchase. Some of the risks you could face include:
Financial Losses: Once authorities discover you've bought a stolen vehicle, you'll lose both your money and the car. Insurance won’t cover stolen property, even if you bought it unknowingly.
Legal Troubles: Law enforcement takes vehicle theft seriously. Even if you’re innocent, you could face questioning and be linked to criminal investigations.
Vehicle Seizure: When the original theft is discovered, police may seize the cloned vehicle as evidence.
Title Issues: You'll never be able to get proper vehicle ownership documents, which means registering, insuring, or reselling the car becomes impossible.
And it doesn’t stop there. The legitimate owner (like Emeka in our earlier example) may receive fines or even be linked to crimes committed by someone driving the cloned car.
How to Spot a Cloned Car
Seeing the various risks involved with buying a cloned car, it's important to know how to spot one if you're considering buying a used car. Below are steps you can take to spot a cloned car:
Verify the VIN: Make sure the VIN on the dashboard, door frame, and inside the engine area all match the VIN on the car papers. Any mismatch is a major red flag.
Inspect the VIN plate: If it looks scratched, tampered with, or newly replaced, it could be fake.
Check the Vehicle History Report: Always ask for one. If the seller can’t provide it, makes excuses, or the details seem incomplete or suspicious, walk away.
Compare the Price: If the car is far cheaper than similar models, it may be stolen.
Assess the Seller’s Behavior: If they rush you, avoid questions, discourage inspection, or seem nervous about verification, don’t proceed.
Smart Ways to Avoid Buying a Cloned Car
Protecting yourself from VIN cloning means taking proactive steps before you part with your money. Here are simple but effective ways every buyer should follow:
Verify the Vehicle Information: Always request a vehicle history report before making any payment. For tokunbo cars, confirm that customs clearance documents match the actual car details.
Check the Documents: If you’re buying a tokunbo car, ask for the original customs and clearing papers, not just photocopies. Confirm the details match the seller’s ID. If it’s from a dealer, ensure they can show proof of how they brought in the car.
Get a Professional Inspection: Hire a trusted mechanic or vehicle inspector. They can spot VIN tampering or other signs of cloning that you might miss.
Research the Seller: Stick to reputable dealers or individuals with verifiable contact details. Be cautious of deals that look too good to be true.
Confirm Vehicle Status: Before paying, run a VIN check with the licensing office or a trusted platform to make sure the car isn’t reported stolen.
Keep Records: Save photos of all VIN plates, copies of documents, and notes of your verification process. This evidence can protect you if issues arise later.
If you ever discover you’ve bought a cloned car, report it to law enforcement immediately to reduce your liability.