Why do people cover their number plates in pics?

[G-Lader]

Just read another thread and the guy posting has edited pics to obscure the reg plate....why?

I'm pretty sure that the same people don't obscure the plate when they drive around in public, so why do it on the internet? Surely anything that can be done from a pic can be done in the flesh?

[G-Lader]

I could half accept that as an answer if these cars were all unusual, but they aren't. This one for example, a black Vectra.

I think if I had a specific car in mind it would be a lot easier to visit a main dealers website and take my pic...

[G-Lader]

grumbledoak said:

Er, because I don't want to find my own car for sale on the internet?

I'm glad I gave you the opportunity to use this hilarious picture. I like to give special people a sense of worth.


I appreciate that someone could use the information, but the same information is out there for all to see everywhere you go.

And as for Google Images, the fact is that you would (as stated further up) have to name your photo with the make and model. Using a different file name would be a much smarter way of avoiding your cars information being googled.

If I was a cloner looking for a car to clone I wouldn't be wasting my time waiting for someone to post a pic of their car on Pistonheads, I'd be on here or similar: http://www.archiemoss.co.uk/UsedDetail.aspx?Vehicl...

[G-Lader]

Those odds are small. Unless you're parked and they have a mobile phone.

What are the odds of someone thinking, "I want to sell a car that isn't mine. I'll go on the internet and find a car that someone has a pic of and the best place to look is an enthusiasts website. I'll avoid the millions of photos of traders cars because it's too easy"?

As said above, it's hysterical.

[G-Lader]

ben_h100 said:

Tell you what, stick your car on a few websites without obscuring the plates. You'll more than likely have zero trouble, however there is just that slim chance that someone will use the number plate for a joyride or to go for a blast through some speed cameras, and you will have the threat of a bill/fine/ban hanging over you.

It isn't a pleasant experience, someone did this to me after the car I bought had been advertised on the Internet. Got a ticket through for 97 mph in a 30 zone, yes you read that right. Once I convinced the police that it couldn't have been me (had CCTV to prove this), they left me alone. Now I have to put up with being stopped nearly every time I go through an anpr camera.

So there you go.

You're automatically blaming the internet. But you can't know that for sure. I've had pics of my cars on the internet for years with no issues. As has nearly everyone I know who's into cars.

[G-Lader]

Well I started this topic in the hope that I'd get a decent answer that I could think "Ahhh, now I understand." But that hasn't happened so I guess it's one of those things that some people feel they need to do and I don't. Looks like it's about 50:50 from the replies.