VIN Cloning

VIN cloning is a vehicle theft and fraud technique where a stolen car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is replaced or used from a legally registered car of similar make and model. By cloning the VIN – for example, taking the VIN from a legitimate vehicle in another province and putting it on a stolen vehicle – criminals can create counterfeit ownership documents and sell the stolen car to an unsuspecting buyer. Dealerships in Canada must be vigilant for VIN cloning, especially when acquiring used inventory or accepting trade-ins. Warning signs include discrepancies between the VIN on the car and its paperwork, or a history report that doesn’t match the vehicle’s attributes. Dealers typically verify that the VIN on the dashboard, door jamb, and federal compliance label all match, and they run history checks through services like CARFAX or provincial registries to ensure the vehicle’s identity is legitimate. Failure to catch a cloned VIN can result in the vehicle being seized and financial losses for both the dealer and any customer involved.