DON'T FIND YOURSELF A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT FOR CARS
HPI confirms the rise of the 'cloned vehicles.

Dealers are being warned about the rise in 'Vehicle Cloning' HPI is advising UK car dealers to protect themselves from this new phenomina. HPI is warning that this is the equivalent of identity theft. Dealers could potentially lose a fortune by buying or accepting cars into their dealerships that may not be what they seem and have infact been stolen and cloned.

Cloning vehicles has been a popular way for organised crime to steal and use cars for their criminal activities. At first glance the registration number, colo ur of the vehicle and it's general detail would match up to a 'clean' vehicle. So they are able to go about their business without scrutiny or suspicion from the police.

Dealers and indeed the general public, are being advised to take the correct measures to protect themselves from what could become a very costly mistake.

The first rule is don't let greed take over, 'If it looks too good to be true it probably is!' People hand over thousands of pounds to a complete stranger when with a simple HPI check they would be covered for up to £30,000 of loss. If you buy a car and subsequently find out that it is a vehicle clone then that is a wonderful feeling compared to the poor unsuspecting person who has just lost their savings or has borrowed money and has just lost it all. After all, for the sake of taking a small amount of time and money it can mean the difference between being inconvenienced and being taken to the cleaners by professional car thieves.

These career criminals tend to concentrate on stealing a certain make and model of car which is a desireable item, such as a BMW 3 Series, C-Class Mercedes or an Audi A4 for example. Premium brands that are in demand. Other examples are of course the ever popular Volkswagen Golf. These vehicles are easy to offload as there is always an interested buyer.

So don't be fooled by a fake V5 Document. Remember, these people are professionals. So cover yourself with help from the professionals - HPI check your car.

Visit:  http://www.hpicheck.com/newfrontend/

Reported By: Christopher Rouse

31st July 2008