VIN query…why?

[McFluff]

DVLA have sent letter asking for VIN -previous threads have helped us locate these. (BIG thank you to those who responded to previous VIN questions which made said finding a dream)

My question is, as a new van, why are DVLA asking for this info? Is it simply to check that yes, we do have possession of it and are not trying to register it so it can then be stolen, or is there another reason?

Never owned a new vehicle so all this is a bit new to me…

 

[Bav]

First things first. Are you sure the letter was genuine and how did they ask you to provide the VIN (via a supplied link/email address/phone number or did they refer you to a gov.uk website address)?

 

[McFluff]

First things first. Are you sure the letter was genuine and how did they ask you to provide the VIN (via a supplied link/email address/phone number or did they refer you to a gov.uk website address)?

Standard DVLA letter including the standard second class prepaid brown envelope. Telephone number match up to DVLA numbers on dvla website

 

[McFluff]

…. Checked having read the threads previously on VIN numbers.

 

[JumpShip]

Seems very odd to me

 

[Bav]

It isn't unknown for dealers to provide inaccurate details when registering a new vehicle - happens more often than you might expect - so the DVLA may be investigating a disparity between the details declared and the VIN provided.

That's just a theory, but if you've been provided with a phone number that you're confident is legit, you can ask them why they need it.

 

[Sackmycook]

Can you post a picture of the letter (with your personal details redacted)?

 

[Sackmycook]

If you have your V5, check what is recorded on it matches your vehicle identification number plates.

 

[McFluff]

 

[McFluff]

This was the address on the brown envelope…it comes under the kits/modification section of vehicle registration.
So happy it’s legit, just not sure why they need it…

 

[JumpShip]

Should be able to find the dvla number online to see whether that matches the number provided and then as said give them a ring and ask why and tell them your concerns re fraud and be asked for details .

That letter makes me think there's possibly another van with the same details

 

[JumpShip]

Not uncommon for dealers to get it wrong , a main dealer i used to work for sold 2 cars with the same numberplate on.
Lad that made the plates up had a dyslexic moment and mixed the digits up.

 

[Sackmycook]

Or someone has put a damaged-written off one back on the road and is trying to use your VIN

 

[darkman884]

it looks like they are questioning its description, regarding a conversion??
ie van with windows ,motorcaravan or van.

has somebody converted a brand new van and trying to register it as a motorcaravan?
just a thought.

obviously a poptop will come back as van with windows,a hightop could come back as motorcaravan, if it meets the criteria.
if its a panel van, ignore the above

 

[JumpShip]

If you have your V5, check what is recorded on it matches your vehicle identification number plates.

First check this

 

[Lubrown]

Or someone has put a damaged-written off one back on the road and is trying to use your VIN

This was mentioned on the radio the other week - chap paid £13k for a used car. The seller had a V5 that the Police say looks to be a legit item. The VIN in the windscreen and under bonnet areas matched (buyer checked these). He did a history check etc. and met the seller at the registered address. Thought he was therefore safe to buy this car.
It was then confiscated by Police after it went into a main dealer for work - thorns out the vin on the chassis didn’t match anything else and it was indeed a stolen vehicle.

 

[Sasquatch]

My question is, as a new van, why are DVLA asking for this info?

They're open tomorrow. Call and ask them.