Picture of license plate - how is this bad?

Question

So, I am on an online forum about a particular make of car, and my license plate is really witty, so I made it my signature.

Someone told me that it's unsafe to put the pic on the forum. I'm not sure how this is any different than driving my car around with the license plate on it for everyone to see (it's legally considered a public document anyway, as it is registered with the state that I reside).

So, my question is, how is this bad? How is it any harder or easier to find my information based on a license number posted online versus on my car driving on public streets?

Answer 1

I would not worry about it,It's your using your social security number you need to worry about.

Answer 2

The reason why it is bad is because since you are in an automotive forum, you are probably listing what you've done with the car.  For example, you have an intake on your car, etc.  Someone might be interested in your car, and thus try to look for you.

I once answered this question on a forum.  Here was my answer there:

1.  DMV records are public.  Someone can go to the DMV and pay to get a copy of your record.  They won't release your residence address, but maybe they'll release the mailing address.

2.  You can look up an older car's smog record.  This may give you an idea of where they live or work.  (California:  http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/vehtests/pub... )

3.  Someone might pay to have a vanity plate created with your same license plate number (since you're on an auto forum, there should be other people there that have a similar car to yours).  They can then go around and get you in trouble for speeding or whatever.

Basically it's a form of identification.  You wouldn't broadcast your address or phone number on the internet, so why broadcast your license plate?

Answer 3

I don't know, but I sure as h**l wouldn't run around telling everyone my license plate number. All I can tell you is that it's 3 letters, a space, and then 3 numbers.

Answer 4

It is like telling everyone in the world where you live, who you are, etc.  From the plate info anyone can get almost all of your personal information.  You are a Identity thief's dream come true