The Problem of Counterfeit License Plates in Texas
A few years ago, Texas faced a serious problem: criminals were mass-producing counterfeit paper temporary license plates. Such plates were used on vehicles that had expired registration or were even involved in serious crimes.
Metal Instead of Paper
To address this issue, the state decided to switch to metal license plates, believing they would be harder to counterfeit. However, it turned out that criminals only needed counterfeit stickers to circumvent the authorities’ efforts.
According to law enforcement in Central Texas, the new scheme has become so widespread that specialized teams nearly every week discover stolen cars during document checks.
The Criminals’ New Scheme
The auto theft task force in the Heart of Texas region reports that criminals either sell stolen cars with already installed counterfeit metal plates or use these plates to avoid detection while operating stolen vehicles.
A New Game of Cat and Mouse
At first glance, the plates may look legitimate. However, upon closer inspection, telltale signs are often revealed, such as visible sticker edges, mismatched registration decals, or even a genuine stolen license plate hidden beneath a counterfeit one. When such plates are scanned by special readers, the numbers often return information for a completely different vehicle.
This is a huge problem. It creates safety risks for officers because when you run this license plate, it returns data for a completely different vehicle. It causes issues with our license plate reader systems, toll roads, all sorts of things.
Is This Car What It Claims to Be?
Authorities state that many victims do not realize they have purchased a stolen car until they try to register it. In some cases, sellers provide counterfeit titles and registration stickers that look authentic but turn out to be invalid when checked with the tax office. By that time, the seller has usually disappeared, the deal was conducted in cash only, and the buyer is left without a car and their money.
Warning from Police
Police warn that deals that seem rushed or prices significantly below market value should immediately raise suspicion. Do not hesitate to examine the license plate as carefully as the car itself. It can be a telltale sign that you are dealing with a stolen car or at least a counterfeit license plate.
The switch to metal plates, aimed at combating counterfeiting, has created a new challenge for law enforcement. Criminals quickly adapt, finding weaknesses in the system, forcing constant improvement of detection and verification methods. This situation underscores the importance of caution and additional document verification when buying a used car, especially on informal markets. Buyers must be aware of the risks and, whenever possible, use official channels to check a vehicle’s history before finalizing a deal.