V5C Fraud - Scammed by a buyer interested in my car

daveyjp

DiddyDavies said:

RobM99 said:

He memorised the 16 digit number? Or am I misunderstanding things?

If they had planned this, they wouldn't have needed to memorize the number:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Pocket-Pen-Camera-HD-1080P-Spy-Hidden-Portable-Body-Recorder-Video-DVR-UK-/184545710486

No need to be so sneeky.  Its quite normal to see people holding phones all the time.  No reason why they wouldn't be recording.

facade

Scrapit said:

The op hasn't lost out, maybe on a sale but if they buyer was there to scam they weren't there to buy anyway.

Not lost financially, unless they have to pay for a new V5.

However, they now have the original of a cloned car with no V5 or identity (the clone has it), so if the Police stop them driving it (because someone reports the cloning), it will likely be impounded- they can't drive it without an identity.

When a colleague had his number plate cloned, he had to carry the V5 and his driving licence, so when the Police stopped him (twice) looking for the cloned plates he could just go on his way.

williamgriffin

facade said:

Scrapit said:

The op hasn't lost out, maybe on a sale but if they buyer was there to scam they weren't there to buy anyway.

Not lost financially, unless they have to pay for a new V5.

However, they now have the original of a cloned car with no V5 or identity (the clone has it), so if the Police stop them driving it (because someone reports the cloning), it will likely be impounded- they can't drive it without an identity.

When a colleague had his number plate cloned, he had to carry the V5 and his driving licence, so when the Police stopped him (twice) looking for the cloned plates he could just go on his way.

It's unlikely to be impounded and once stooped there are ways to ensure the OP isn't subject to further stops. 

HansOndabush

I thought when you go to buy a car you are supposed to check the V5 has the correct name and address of the seller and then check the VIN numbers on the car with those on the V5. How can you do that if the seller is never supposed to let anyone see the V5?

Scrapit

facade said:

Scrapit said:

The op hasn't lost out, maybe on a sale but if they buyer was there to scam they weren't there to buy anyway.

Not lost financially, unless they have to pay for a new V5.

However, they now have the original of a cloned car with no V5 or identity (the clone has it), so if the Police stop them driving it (because someone reports the cloning), it will likely be impounded- they can't drive it without an identity.

When a colleague had his number plate cloned, he had to carry the V5 and his driving licence, so when the Police stopped him (twice) looking for the cloned plates he could just go on his way.

The op has his V5, and has his car. He can sell that and give the v5 over as per normal which then becomes the buyers problem if they were to be unscrupulous. Or just wait it out.

missile

I don't know how this could happen within a week?

I listed my car on Autotrader just over a week ago, the first interested buyer that came to look at the car has somehow taken the reference number from the v5 and registered my car in a new name and address.

In my experience it takes longer to obtain new V5C and OP should have received notification before DVLA changed the registered keeper. 

facade

missile said:

I don't know how this could happen within a week?

I listed my car on Autotrader just over a week ago, the first interested buyer that came to look at the car has somehow taken the reference number from the v5 and registered my car in a new name and address.

In my experience it takes longer to obtain new V5C and OP should have received notification before DVLA changed the registered keeper. 

The "new owner" simply uses the number on the v5c/2 (it has one extra digit over the doc ref number) as the key to register it online, and has a new V5 with their details on in around 3 days (this cancels the OPs V5).

DVLA send the OP the tax refund in 3-5 days.  I can't remember if they include a note that the keeper has changed, or if they still write separately to tell you that they have updated their records and you are no longer the keeper.

Homer_home

RobM99 said:

He memorised the 16 digit number? Or am I misunderstanding things?

Nope he only had to memorise eight numbers

Biggus_Dickus

Is this how it’s done?

It appears to be a simple online procedure to request a new V5c logbook if you pretend to be the registered keeper and you request a change of address.

If the scammer provides the V5c registration number, the car reg number and registered keepers present post-code a new V5c will be sent out to the scammers chosen address forthwith.

However, the registered keepers ‘name’ cannot be changed in this manner, just the address.

To change the V5c to a new name and address, whether transferred or sold, requires the full co-operation of the incumbent registered keeper.

The scammer, replete with dodgy (but convincing) V5c at the bogus address, then sells an identical cloned car to an unsuspecting buyer,...presumably for cash.

The seller then legs-it with the dosh and the happy buyer drives off in his low mileage, MOT’d bargain,...  oblivious to the fact that it’s a high-mileage shed , with no MOT and false number plates.

I think the above is a feasible scam;...I’m certainly no expert so please pick holes in anything I’ve posted.

 

afcj123

Biggus_Dickus said:

Is this how it’s done?

It appears to be a simple online procedure to request a new V5c logbook if you pretend to be the registered keeper and you request a change of address.

If the scammer provides the V5c registration number, the car reg number and registered keepers present post-code a new V5c will be sent out to the scammers chosen address forthwith.

However, the registered keepers ‘name’ cannot be changed in this manner, just the address.

To change the V5c to a new name and address, whether transferred or sold, requires the full co-operation of the incumbent registered keeper.

The scammer, replete with dodgy (but convincing) V5c at the bogus address, then sells an identical cloned car to an unsuspecting buyer,...presumably for cash.

The seller then legs-it with the dosh and the happy buyer drives off in his low mileage, MOT’d bargain,...  oblivious to the fact that it’s a high-mileage shed , with no MOT and false number plates.

I think the above is a feasible scam;...I’m certainly no expert so please pick holes in anything I’ve posted.

 

I have been told by the police that the name on the V5 has definitely been changed as they confirmed that I am no longer the registered keeper. 

I hope DVLA change this as it is happening to people and it is far too easy for scammers to carry this out.