Dear Morgan,

I hope you can help me. In the past two weeks my friend spotted a car in Gold Reef City with the same registration and colour as mine. I was in Secunda at work.

The same thing happened the other day when I got a call that I was supposedly spotted driving in Eldorado Park when I was actually in Secunda.

So, I think my car has got a duplicate and I would like your advice on what steps to take in order to let the authorities know. Do I go to the police or the traffic department?

Your help will be appreciated. - Ntsako

Dear Ntsako,

Vehicle licence fraud and number plate duplication is an issue because this other person driving around with your details can accumulate fines that you might end up being liable for.

Keep a diary of your whereabouts so that if you ever receive fines you can argue your case.

I suggest you report this case to the police but you also need to verify your own paperwork.

Did you buy the car in a private sale or from a dealer?

You should go to the licensing department and request the vehicle's original papers if you cannot locate them.

At the police station, you need to make an affidavit that confirms your reporting of the matter. Keep this in your car to present to the authorities if you're questioned about your papers at a roadblock.