A businessman from Wigan has been hit by a cloning scam which left him with nearly £400 worth of fines to pay.
Tony Dunn was left shocked when three fixed penalty charges were issued to him by London councils for offences committed by a motorist using the registration number registered to his Ford Transit.
Mr Dunn, 40, who runs construction firm Dunn, is now locked in a battle to clear his name.
Evidence has been provided by Mr Dunn that proves his van was in use elsewhere when the offences were committed.
The vehicle that committed the crimes is also a white Ford Transit, but a photo proves that it is clearly different.
This fine was overturned, but there are still two fines outstanding, and Mr Dunn is considering changing his number plates, if not the vehicle.
“It is extremely annoying,” said Mr Dunn.
“It is creating a lot of work that we don’t need.
“I can’t help wondering when the next letter’s coming along.
“It is possible someone looked up my van details on any one of several official websites and took the scam from there.”
“We had never been there.
“The council sent photographic evidence and while it was a white Transit it wasn’t ours.
“Ours has a roof rack, stickers on the bodywork and dealership details on the numberplate and that one didn’t.
“We were ordered to pay £85 which would rise to £170 if not paid in 28 days.
“We got a statement from a customer in Merseyside confirming the van was there on the day of the infringement but it is still not sorted despite calls to the police and DVLA.”
“I want to warn other vehicle owners about this.
“Don’t ignore the fines but contact the police in the area the offence took place, and get a crime reference number; contact the DVLA and send it a letter about the charges (while keeping a copy).
“Obtain as much proof as possible for your vehicle’s alibi and complete the form that comes with the fines that allows you to challenge them as quickly as possible.
“I am now seriously considering forking out to change the plates if not the vehicle.”
For a personalised registration at a fantastic price, just contact the experts at National Numbers, on 01642 363738.
