The Most Common Types of Service History Fraud
Understanding how fraudsters operate helps you know what to look for:
How to Spot Fake Service History: Red Flags & Verification Tips
Service history fraud is more common than you think. Here's how to protect yourself.
10 min read•Updated January 2025
Why This Matters
Fake service history is still "relatively commonplace" in the UK used car market. Fraudsters know that service history adds £1,500+ to a car's value, creating a strong incentive to forge records. A forged service book could be hiding serious mechanical issues, clocked mileage, or accident damage.
1. Fake Stamps Using Real Garage Details
The most sophisticated scam: fraudsters create stamps using legitimate garage names, addresses, and phone numbers. The stamps look authentic, but the garage never actually serviced the vehicle.
How to detect:
Call the garage directly. Provide the registration and ask them to confirm the service dates and mileages. Legitimate garages keep records and will verify for free.
2. Cloned Service Books
Fraudsters take service books from written-off vehicles and transfer them to cars with no history. The stamps are genuine, but they belong to a different vehicle.
How to detect:
Check that the VIN in the service book matches the VIN on the car (windscreen, door frame, V5C). Also verify the mileages match MOT history on gov.uk.
3. Filled-In Blank Service Books
Blank service books are easily available online for most manufacturers. Fraudsters buy these and fill them in with fake stamps, creating an entire fictional service history.
How to detect:
Look for signs the book is too new or pristine for an older car. Check if ink colors vary (genuine books filled over years will show different pens/stamps). Same handwriting throughout is suspicious.
4. Altered Mileages in Genuine Books
Sometimes genuine service books have mileages altered to support a clocked odometer. Digits are changed or entries are crossed out and rewritten.
How to detect:
Cross-reference every service entry against MOT history. Mileages should show steady progression. Any discrepancies are major red flags.
Red Flags to Watch For
When examining a service book, look for these warning signs:
Service Book Red Flags Checklist
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Identical handwriting throughout
Different technicians over years should have different writing styles
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Same pen color for all entries
Entries years apart should show variation in ink
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Stamps look too clean or crisp
Old stamps should show wear; freshly printed ones are suspect
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Missing VIN or wrong VIN
Service book VIN must match the vehicle exactly
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Mileages don't match MOT history
Any significant discrepancy is a major warning sign
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Unrealistic service locations
Services in Aberdeen one month, Southampton the next with no ownership change
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Service book condition doesn't match car age
A pristine book for a 10-year-old car is suspicious
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Garages that no longer exist
Research garage names - fraudsters sometimes invent businesses
How to Verify Service History is Genuine
Don't just accept a service book at face value. Here's your verification checklist:
Step 1: Cross-Reference with MOT History (Free)
Go to gov.uk/check-mot-history and enter the registration. Compare:
- MOT test mileages against service book mileages
- Check mileages show steady progression (no sudden drops)
- Look for MOT advisories that might indicate poor maintenance
Step 2: Call the Garages Directly
This is the most effective verification method. Contact each garage listed and ask them to confirm:
- The specific service dates
- The mileages recorded
- What work was performed
Legitimate garages will confirm this for free. If a seller objects to you calling, that's a red flag itself.
Step 3: Check VIN Consistency
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) should match across:
- Service book
- Windscreen (bottom driver's side)
- Door frame plate
- V5C registration document
- Engine bay plate (where applicable)
Any mismatch is a serious concern - walk away.
Step 4: Request Invoices
Service stamps alone aren't enough. Ask for invoices that show:
- Itemized work performed
- Parts used
- Costs charged
- Vehicle registration and VIN
No invoices doesn't automatically mean fraud, but their presence is reassuring.
Step 5: Check Digital Manufacturer Records
This is the gold standard for verification. For 2012+ vehicles serviced at dealerships, records exist in manufacturer databases that cannot be forged.
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Why Digital Records Are More Trustworthy
Since around 2012, most franchise dealerships automatically log every service into the manufacturer's central database. These digital records have several advantages over paper books:
- Cannot be forged: Only authorized dealerships can add entries
- Cannot be lost: Stored permanently in manufacturer systems
- VIN-verified: Records are linked directly to the vehicle's unique identifier
- Complete: Show all dealer visits, not just services
- Internationally consistent: Records follow the car across borders
Many premium brands now prioritize digital records over paper books. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and others have largely phased out traditional service books in favor of digital-only records.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you discover the service history has been falsified:
- Walk away: There's no negotiating with fraud. The entire car is suspect.
- Document everything: Take photos of the service book and any communications
- Report to Trading Standards: If bought from a dealer, they may be breaking the law
- Report to Action Fraud: For serious cases of fraud
- Leave reviews: Warn other buyers if appropriate
Protecting Yourself: Summary Checklist
Before You Buy: Verification Checklist
The Bottom Line
Service history fraud exists because it works - buyers often don't verify properly. Don't be that buyer. A few minutes of verification could save you from buying a clocked, poorly maintained, or accident-damaged vehicle.
The safest approach: combine MOT history checks, garage verification calls, and digital manufacturer record checks. Together, these make it nearly impossible for fraudsters to deceive you.