The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a stark warning to millions of motorists across Britain who own personalised number plates, revealing that a sophisticated scam is putting their valuable registrations at serious risk.
The Growing Threat to Private Plates
According to the government agency, fraudsters are increasingly targeting owners of private registrations through elaborate schemes designed to illegally transfer ownership of these often-valuable assets. The scam involves criminals obtaining the personal details of plate owners and using this information to initiate fraudulent transfer requests.
How the Scam Operates
The deception typically begins when criminals gather enough personal information about a number plate owner to pose as them. Armed with these details, they contact the DVLA and request to transfer the cherished registration to another vehicle or person. Once the transfer is complete, the legitimate owner can lose their plate permanently.
Protective Measures Every Owner Should Take
The DVLA strongly recommends that all personalised plate owners take immediate action to protect their investments:
- Keep your driving licence and vehicle documents secure at all times
- Regularly check that your V5C log book hasn't been tampered with or gone missing
- Be vigilant about who you share personal information with
- Monitor your plate's status through official DVLA channels
- Report any suspicious activity immediately
Why Personalised Plates Are Prime Targets
Private number plates have become increasingly popular investments, with some rare combinations fetching six-figure sums at auction. This significant financial value makes them attractive targets for organised criminal groups who see them as easy-to-transfer assets with high resale value.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe your personalised plate has been targeted or illegally transferred, the DVLA advises contacting them immediately through their official fraud reporting channels. Quick action could mean the difference between recovering your registration and losing it forever.
The agency emphasised that while they have robust systems in place to detect suspicious activity, plate owners remain the first line of defence against these sophisticated scams.
