Car Scams
Fake V5C And Fake MOT Certificates UK: How To Spot Forged Car Documents
5 min read
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CarVerified Team
A forged V5C or MOT certificate can look real in a photo. Here is what to check on the document itself, and why you should verify against official records instead.
Paperwork makes a car feel safe, which is exactly why scammers fake it. A forged V5C logbook or a made-up MOT certificate can look convincing in a photo. The answer is not to inspect the paper harder, it is to check the facts against official records.
This is general guidance on common patterns, not a statement about any seller.
Check this car free first: enter the registration at carverified.co.uk to confirm it matches the advert, then see what a full report adds on the pricing page.
Fake or altered V5C
The V5C does not prove ownership by itself, and a forged or altered one is a known problem. Things to check:
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VIN and registration on the V5C match the car and the number plate.
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The seller’s name and address match the keeper details, and the seller can prove who they are.
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Alterations: smudges, different fonts, erased or overwritten text, or a document that looks photocopied.
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A “lost” V5C: a genuine seller can apply for a replacement. Be wary of a seller who says it is “in the post”.
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A new keeper slip (the part you complete on sale) that is missing or already filled in.
Read our full V5C check guide, and what to do if there is no V5C.
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Fake MOT certificate
MOT results are held digitally, so you do not need to rely on a paper certificate. A seller may show a printed certificate that has been edited, or one that belongs to a different car.
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Check the MOT history for the registration on GOV.UK, or with our free MOT check.
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Compare the test date, result, advisories and mileage with what the seller shows you.
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Look for mileage that rises evenly. Odd drops or jumps are a red flag. See signs of clocked mileage.
Fake service history
A stamped service book can be bought online. Ring the garages named in it to check the work, and compare the dates and mileage with the MOT history.
The rule
Treat documents as claims, not proof. Check the registration against official records and run a history check. If the paperwork and the records disagree, believe the records.
Which CarVerified report covers this?
A report is built from official records, not from the paper the seller shows you. Silver covers the core history, Silver Plus adds finance, and Gold is the most complete.
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Free check: start with the free vehicle check to confirm the make, model, colour, year and MOT and tax status match the advert.
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Silver: the core vehicle history check. Finance is not part of Silver, but it can be unlocked separately.
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Silver Plus: adds the outstanding finance check.
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Gold: the most complete report, adding ex-taxi, salvage and valuation checks.
See what each report includes on the pricing page or the sample report, and use the used car checklist when you view the car.
Back to the complete used car scams guide.

Free tools for this guide

MOT Expiry Checker
Check when a car's MOT runs out and when you can book it.
Use the free tool →
MOT Cost Calculator
Budget for the MOT fee, retests and likely repairs.
Use the free tool →
Used Car Checklist
A tick-off checklist for buying from a dealer or private seller - petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV.
Use the free tool →
See all car tools →
Keep it MOT-ready
Bulbs, wipers, brakes and tyres are among the most common MOT failures - and the cheapest to sort before the test.
Shop parts at GSF Car Parts →
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Who has owned this car before?

Keeper history and how long each owner kept the car can reveal a lot. Check before you hand over money.
CarVerified Gold (£9.99) includes everything in Silver Plus, plus salvage history, extended mileage records and valuation, ex-taxi history and a £10,000 data guarantee.
Start with the free check - upgrade only if you want the full report.
Viewing a car? Use our free used car checklist →
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Customer reviews on your page
Invoices included (up to 5 a month free)
No card needed. Paid plans only if you need more.
Related Guides
Table of Contents
1.
Fake or altered V5C
2.
Fake MOT certificate
3.
Fake service history
4.
The rule
5.
Which CarVerified report covers this?
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