Recently, the social media world has been abuzz with a viral video showing unknown individuals entering residents’ yards without permission. Rather than stealing the vehicle outright, they were actually targeting something specific: the vehicle’s VIN.
This “VIN scraping” scheme has been increasingly reported across various regions and is causing concern among vehicle owners. So, why is your vehicle’s physical data so highly sought after? To the average person, a VIN might just be a random string of numbers and letters. But to criminals, this data is a “goldmine.”
Here are some dangerous tactics behind this scheme:
The VIN and engine number are a vehicle’s unique identifiers. Your data can be copied to create fake vehicle registration certificates (STNK) or vehicle ownership certificates (BPKB) to legalize stolen or smuggled cars so they appear “official” in the system.
This is how criminals verify whether your car is on their target list. By checking the VIN, they can access the vehicle’s history, ownership status, and remaining loan term through an illegal network.
Some individuals pose as official leasing agents. They scan the VIN to verify data, then use intimidation to forcibly and illegally repossess the vehicle on the spot—even if your payments are up to date.
If you notice a stranger trying to approach a vehicle in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to question them. Ask for an official assignment letter from the police or the relevant authority. Remember, official officers will not enter private property without the owner’s permission or the supervision of neighborhood officials (RT/RW). Consider the vehicle identification number (VIN) as your “car ID.” Never let strangers photograph, write down, or even scratch that number carelessly.
Secure the Vehicle and Document: If the suspect’s behavior is suspicious or they start to become aggressive, immediately call neighborhood security. Don’t forget to record the suspect’s face and the license plate of the vehicle they’re using as evidence for the report. Vehicle security is no longer just about installing a steering wheel lock or an alarm. In this digital age, protecting the physical data of your vehicle is just as important as safeguarding the ignition key itself.
Source: According to various sources
<< Back
