Safety and Security Centre

A 'Ringer' is a stolen car that has had its identification numbers replaced by a set from another - usually written-off - car, which effectively changes the car's identity.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) number is presented on a small plate that is riveted under the bonnet and stamped on the car's floorpan. In addition, the VIN number will sometimes appear in the door pillar or at the base of the windscreen.

A ringer will have these numbers removed and replaced, so look for evidence of tampering around the riveted plates and instances where the stamped VIN has been ground away and another has been added in its place.

Often ringers are processed and sold by organised criminal gangs who cover their tracks thoroughly to avoid detection, so you will have no chance of getting your money back.

If you buy a ringer, in legal terms, the car does not belong to you. This means that it will be returned to the original owner or sold as salvage, enabling the insurance company to recoup their losses.

There are steps you can take to avoid buying a ringer:

• Make sure the V5 registration document is genuine - an original will have a DVLA watermark running through it
• Check for tampering around the VIN numbers
  
• Make sure there is a satisfactory amount of paperwork
  
• Ensure that there hasn't been a recent respray - look for overspray on glass and trim

The best way to be sure that a car isn't a ringer is to invest in a car data check from an organisation such as the Auto Trader Vehicle Check.
Often a car data check will be included in a full vehicle inspection.

If you suspect that your vehicle is a ringer, contact the police immediately. Keeping hold of it or trying to sell it on could leave you facing criminal charges.

If you have viewed a vehicle, which you believe is a ringer, contact Trading Standards (in the case of a dealer sale) and the police (private or dealer) immediately.

Important links:

• Trading Standards - http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/
• National Criminal Intelligence Service - www.ncis.gov.uk/
• Police links - http://www.police.uk/
• Metropolitan Police Fraud Alert - www.met.police.uk/fraudalert
• Report an unscrupulous dealer - enquiries@autotrader.co.uk
• Report a scammer - fraud.alert@met.police.uk

Please do not email the Metropolitan Police unless you have details of the fraudsters bank details, address or telephone numbers. Also bear in mind that the Metropolitan Police covers the Greater London area. For help across the rest of the UK, please contact your local force.