When you buy a second-hand vehicle next time, be wary of fake smart vehicle registration certificates (RCs). The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has recently unearthed a scam involving Coimbatore-based agents who allegedly distributed hundreds of fake RCs for hypothecated vehicles across Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai, where demand for secondhand vehicles has shot up several times after the pandemic. On May 24, Namakkal-resident Gokul, who claimed to own a bike, approached the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) seeking cancellation of hypothecation on his bike.
But when motor vehicle inspector D Nitya inspected the supporting documents along with his application, she grew suspicious and alerted her higher-ups. The smart registration certificate submitted by Gokul had discrepancies compared to the original card. For instance, the font size and shade was non-uniform and there was space in between the registration number.
