Is It Safe To Share The VIN Number Of A Car?

Published date: Last modified on: Ryan Horban
Is It Safe To Share The VIN Number Of A Car?

Should You Share Your Vehicle VIN?

Summary

  • Safety of Sharing VIN: Generally safe to share a vehicle’s VIN with potential buyers but exercise caution.
  • VIN Cloning: Criminals use your VIN to create fake documents for stolen vehicles.
  • How Cloning Works: Criminals copy your VIN, use it on a stolen vehicle, and acquire legitimate registration.
  • Vehicle Identification Theft: Criminals may physically steal and transfer VIN plates to stolen vehicles.
  • Protection Tips: Verify VIN details, check documentation, and meet buyers in person if concerned.
  • Buyer’s Right: Buyers should request VIN to verify the vehicle’s legitimacy and check for issues.

If a potential buyer is interested in purchasing your vehicle, they will want to know all the information about the car. That means the specifics of the car, vehicle history, accident history, and anything that can help the car buyers make an informed decision. One piece of information a potential buyer may request is the vehicle’s VIN number. But is giving out your VIN number to prospective buyers dangerous? Our GPS Tracker Shop security experts will tell you everything you need to know about a car’s VIN, the potential dangers of sharing your VIN, and how you can protect yourself when selling your vehicle.

Is it safe to share your car’s VIN number? Yes, it’s generally safe, but that doesn’t mean you should share it with just anyone. Think of it like your social security number—it's okay to share when necessary, but be mindful of who you give it to. While no one can steal your car’s identity or take out a loan in its name, it’s still wise to keep it secure and share it cautiously.

Should a Buyer Ask a Car Seller for a VIN Number?

What Is VIN Cloning?

VIN cloning is when a criminal uses your vehicle’s identification number and uses it on a different vehicle that is the same make, model, and year. With the VIN cloned, a criminal can change the documentation of the stolen vehicle, masking it so they can acquire a legitimate license plate and vehicle registration. Here is how criminals pretending to be car buyers can run this scam by you simply giving out your VIN:

How A Criminal Uses A Cloned VIN For A Stolen Vehicle – 3 Steps

  1. The criminal pretends to be a potential buyer, checking the VIN of your car
  2. They record your car’s VIN and use it for a stolen vehicle with the same make and model
  3. The cloned VIN allows them to get a license plate and vehicle registration on the stolen car without the original car owners’ ever knowing a thing

VIN cloning is illegal and according to Vehicle Code 10802 VC – Tampering With a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), in California, you can be charged with a felony for tampering with a VIN. This can result in a $25,000 fine and up to 3 years in county jail. You can learn more about the law enforcement penalties for creating a cloned VIN byCLICKING HERE!

Vehicle Identification Number Plate Theft

There is one more way criminals engage in VIN cloning, and this is when they take the VIN plate off your car and weld it to the stolen vehicle with the identical make and model.

Worried you might have a stolen automobile and are the victim of cloned VIN purchase? Then use this helpful VIN check tool by the National Insurance Crime Bureau byCLICKING HERE!

How To Protect Yourself From VIN Cloning

If you’re buying a vehicle, make sure all the information matches up with the documentation. Double-check the VIN details on both the paperwork and the car itself. You can find the VIN near the base of the windshield and inside the door frame. If anything doesn’t line up and the seller dodges your questions, consider that a big red flag. This isn’t something to take lightly—if the VIN on the vehicle and the registration don’t match, you could unknowingly be involved with a stolen car. In that case, law enforcement could confiscate the vehicle, leaving you with nothing.

While VIN cloning does happen, it’s not something most sellers need to worry about. The best approach is to keep all the vehicle’s documentation handy, including the car title, to avoid any issues when registering with the DMV. Sharing the VIN with a potential buyer is generally safe, but if something feels off, trust your instincts and arrange to meet the buyer in person.

 

 Learn How To Secretly Track A Car In 3 Easy Steps: https://gpstrackershop.com/blogs/post/how-to-secretly-track-a-vehicle

Should Buyers Ask Car Sellers For A VIN Number?

You should absolutely ask for a car’s VIN number so you can be sure you are buying a registered vehicle. If the seller or auto dealer won’t provide this and is car selling, they are likely hiding something. The information it contains isthe automobilescar’s unique features, specs, and who the manufacturer is. This can be helpful if there is a warranty, recall, or registration issue.

The VIN number does not contain personal information, car selling history, vehicle accident history, the car’s history of purchase, or other information that is found in a CarFax report.

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