What to Do If Someone Uses Your VIN Illegally

Finding out that someone has used your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for fraud can be frustrating—and even scary. Whether it’s part of a VIN cloning scam, a false registration, or a forged title, illegal use of your VIN can lead to serious consequences if left unaddressed.

Here’s what to do if your VIN is being misused and how to clear your name and protect your property.

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🚨 How VINs Get Used Illegally

Criminals can copy your VIN from a photo, an online listing, or a parked car and use it to:

• Register a stolen or salvaged vehicle under your VIN (VIN cloning)
• Create fraudulent paperwork (titles, bills of sale, tax returns)
• File false insurance claims or smog checks

If you’re not sure how this happens, start with: What Is VIN Cloning? (And How to Protect Yourself)

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🧠 Signs Your VIN Might Be Misused

• You receive traffic or toll tickets from places you’ve never been
• Law enforcement contacts you about a car you don’t own
• You get insurance notices or DMV mail for an unfamiliar vehicle
• A buyer or DMV flags your car as having duplicate records

Not sure what someone can see with your VIN? Read: What Can a Buyer See With My VIN Number?

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📝 Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your VIN Is Used Illegally

✅ 1. File a Police Report

Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report. Bring:

• Your ID and registration
• Any suspicious documents you’ve received
• Photos of your vehicle showing the real VIN

Get a copy of the report—you’ll need it for insurance and DMV disputes.

✅ 2. Notify Your State DMV or BMV

Explain the situation and provide your police report. They can:

• Flag the VIN in their system
• Help separate your car from any cloned vehicles
• Investigate title discrepancies

✅ 3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Let them know what happened so they can flag fraudulent claims and protect your record.

✅ 4. Run a VIN Check Yourself

Use services like NICB’s free VINCheck, Carfax, or AutoCheck to see where your VIN is showing up.

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🔐 How to Prevent Future VIN Misuse

• Avoid posting your full VIN in public car listings
• Don’t share your VIN with strangers or buyers until they’re verified
• Monitor mail and DMV notices for anything unusual

Selling a car? Protect your information: How to Protect Your Privacy When Selling a Car

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Final Thoughts

If someone uses your VIN illegally, don’t panic—but don’t wait, either. A police report, a trip to the DMV, and a few phone calls can help you reclaim control and prove that your vehicle is legitimate.

Most importantly, be cautious moving forward. VIN misuse isn’t always preventable, but limiting how and where you share your vehicle details makes it far less likely.

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Also See:

• Is It Safe to Give Out the VIN Number When Selling a Car?
• Can Someone Steal My Identity With My VIN?