Vehicle crime in the UK has become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using cloned identities, mileage fraud, and doctored paperwork to deceive buyers. However, MOT data has become one of the most powerful tools in preventing vehicle fraud. By analysing testing records, mileage logs, and failure patterns, buyers and law enforcement can uncover hidden issues that criminals attempt to disguise. This article explains how MOT data helps fight vehicle crime and fraud and why checking a car’s history is more important than ever.

MOT Data: A Reliable Source of Truth

Every legally tested vehicle in the UK has its MOT records stored in an official DVSA database. This includes:

• Test dates
• Pass/fail results
• Recorded mileage
• Advisory notes
• Garage information

Because MOT data cannot be edited by sellers, it acts as a trusted verification source when buying or investigating vehicles.

Detecting Mileage Fraud

Mileage clocking—reducing a car’s displayed mileage—is one of the most common types of vehicle fraud. Criminals do this to increase the car’s value and hide wear and tear. MOT history exposes this by recording mileage at every test. If mileage suddenly drops between two tests, it is clear evidence of tampering.

Identifying Cloned Vehicles

Criminals often create cloned cars by copying the identity of a legitimate vehicle. MOT data helps uncover this fraud by verifying:

• The vehicle’s age
• MOT status
• Test locations
• Consistent mileage progression

If the vehicle’s details don’t match MOT history, it may be cloned.

Spotting Stolen or Written-Off Cars

MOT data can reveal long gaps in testing or sudden stoppage in records. Vehicles that disappear from the MOT system without export records may have been stolen, scrapped, or abandoned.

Exposing Hidden Mechanical Issues

MOT advisory notes reveal issues that were flagged during previous inspections. If a seller claims the car is problem-free but MOT data shows repeated brake, suspension, or rust warnings, it signals deception.

How Buyers Can Use MOT Data

Before purchasing any used vehicle, drivers can instantly review MOT records using CheckMot.com (https://checkmot.com/). This protects against:

• Mileage fraud
• Hidden accident damage
• Stolen or cloned vehicles
• Falsified service history

It takes seconds and can prevent thousands of pounds in losses.

Why MOT Data Matters for Law Enforcement

Police and DVSA investigators use MOT records to track vehicles involved in crime. MOT logs help link vehicles to locations, garages, and owners—making it harder for criminals to hide illegal activity.

The Future of Fraud Prevention

With the rise of digital vehicle records, MOT data will continue to play a major role in fraud detection. Combined with telematics and real-time reporting, UK buyers will have more transparency than ever before.

FAQs

Can MOT checks detect clocked mileage?

Yes. Mileage is recorded at every MOT, making tampering easy to spot.

Is MOT history always accurate?

Yes. MOT records come directly from DVSA-authorised test centres.

Can MOT data prove a vehicle is stolen?

It can raise strong suspicion if the records are inconsistent or incomplete.

Where can I check MOT records?

You can check any UK vehicle for free using CheckMot.com.