Drivers have been warned against posting car pictures on social media for this reason
Motorists are being warned by experts that a common blunder could result in their number plates being cloned. If this occurs, they could be charged with speeding or parking fines for offences they didn't commit, due to their registration is fraudulently used by another individual.
The risk arises when people post photos of their cars on social media, clearly displaying the number plate. This could provide an easy opportunity for crooks looking to clone a number plate.
The issue of cloned plates is escalating on Britain's roads, enabling reckless drivers to evade punishment for speeding, running red lights and other hazardous driving behaviours. This comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule.
This is because speeding tickets will be sent to the address where the cloned number plate is registered, resulting in innocent individuals being hit with fines and penalty points, reports Birmingham Live.
Sharing a photo of their beloved vehicle may seem fun and harmless to people, but it could land them in hot water, especially if their social media profile is public and accessible to anyone.
Joseph Barton, from AdleyBarton.com, warned: "People love to post photos of their new car outside the house, or a quick video of a road trip, but if your number plate is visible, you're giving criminals everything they need to create a clone".
"These cloned cars are often used to commit serious offences, including fuel theft, drive-offs, speeding, drug runs and even ram raids, leaving you to face the fallout".
He added that "criminals deliberately look for cars that match the make, model, and colour of vehicles they've stolen".
Barton also shared that "they then create fake plates using your registration, and just like that, there are two versions of your car on the road".
Boss.uk advises car owners who suspect their plate' ID's have been 'stolen' to contact your local police immediately and "report the suspected number plate cloning.
You can alternatively call the 101 non-emergency hotline if experiencing a queue.
The site added that owners should "provide as much information as possible about when and where you noticed the clone and any other relevant details" - such as unknown fines - and to "request a crime number".
