What evidence might indicate a vehicle is potentially stolen based on the VIN plate?

A vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate is a critical piece of information that helps determine the legitimacy of the vehicle. Scratched paint on the area of the VIN plate can indicate tampering or an attempt to conceal the actual VIN. When examining a VIN plate, any signs of alteration, such as scratches, could suggest that someone has made efforts to interfere with the original identification of the vehicle, which is often a strong indicator that the vehicle may be stolen.

In contrast, clearly visible characters on the plate would suggest that the VIN is intact and genuine. Flawless rivets may indicate that the plate has not been tampered with, which would imply that the vehicle is more likely legitimate. Standard adhesive application on the plate does not typically serve as an indicator of legitimacy or illegitimacy, as it can vary between manufacturers. Therefore, signs of alteration like scratched paint serve as a red flag that the vehicle could be stolen.