MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MG Y Type - Personal Concern re Database sell out of V5 Info!


Dear Y Owners,

I wish to ask an open question in this forum about a recent change which sent a shudder down my spine in respect of privacy and content which appears on V5 Document here in the UK one which DVLA and any proper security conscious person would deem private and keep well hidden in drawer at home.

On 1st June 2010 I was horrorfied to find all my details of my YB's on "International Y Register."
I add my two cars were removed at my request but remain as photo and most detail on data base search.

To canvas opinion on this matter how many persons think this is a good idea?

How many people were canvassed to have this information sent out to the whole WWW prior to the release?

Finally if you are concerned or happy please tell me, as maybe I'm getting paranoid, or more likely just being sensible.

Certainly worries me and I look forward to replies whether it be for or against or just propoganda for this worrying development.

Yours faithfully

Richard Knight
R E Knight

Paranoid would be my guess. Or are you just hiding from the tax man? In my opinion this data base provides information that will allow me to ask for help from people with like cars - or conversly people can search me out where I might assist them. Quite frankly, I am proud of my little Y-Type and would like as many people as possible to know it. It takes me on rallies, parades, car shows, and once in a while to work. People in my neighborhood all know that I have it, as do those at the shows, parades and along the roads during the rallies. Be proud of your little British car!
F Inman

F Inman, nope, not paranoid, not hiding from the taxman either fully paid up there!
No this goes much deeper, this is about owners understanding that they they are the contributors of this site.
One should look back at the history of this site it was the MGCC site, which when Paul Barrow the webmaster did a wonderful job of populating, keeping up to date, answering questions and giving advice some positive some negative.

I recall a BBS describing how it was "Your Site"

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=archiveth&subject=13&subjectar=13&thread=2009041712154415665

Is this all forgotten? I simply ask to remove some data!

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=41740476107008&mode=archiveth&subject=13&subjectar=13&thread=2005071909591927881

No this issue had chance to be resolved but wasn't simple. Anyway look forward to more comments it is interesting!
R E Knight

Richard,

I very much share your caution regarding publishing WWW-information; I for one will try to minimise private information on the web. With a little help from Google I've seen holiday pictures of job candidates that did not leave a positive impression.... Even on this forum I always remember that anyone can read my comments.

On the other hand I've experienced very positive contacts from all over the world via my website www.mgstamps.shorturl.com. Being active on the internet in your own hobby can bring unthought advantages.

I was not horrified by seeing my Y5888 in the International Y-register, but do agree some kind of owner-consent could/should have been asked, I would have given a positive response, because a lot of the information like the DVLA-details are already to be found on the internet.
My advise is to regularly Google your name/address/reg.nr. to see what comes up. Registering on bona-fide(?) sites like Linkedin and thus maintaining your digital footprint will help to come up in a positive way.
Willem vd Veer

I learned a long time ago that there is nothing private when it comes to the web. If you don't want information to be diseminated world wide, don't publish it!

F Inman

Agreed hence my removal request on 01/06/2010 and to date it's still not removed. This is my point!
R E Knight

Richard,
For the benefit of the many viewers of this site, I think it would be prudent if you were to explain exactly the meaning of that part of your thread title "sell out of V5 info". If this matter is as serious as you infer, it is surprising that the response todate has been negligible, but that may be because readers are not sure of your asertions re the source of this informations. What exactly are you saying?
Keith D Herkes

Keith,

Happy to explain.

Basically I wasn't happy with the additional information that is usually contained on V5 registration document being displayed under one search on the new data base search.
Simply put anyone may use this detail for any unscrupulous reasons.

One wouldn't just publish their car details for everyone to see so, why here!

I accept that some of the data is held on DVLA, and probably could be found with digging around lots of sites, but my view is the fact it is under one page and easy to find!

Were I asked I would have been polite and said "NO" but I wasn't nor I'm sure were others.
Once upon a time I gave consent to have my car displayed on Y's parade, but my personal view is I don't want a data base with the chassis number, Engine number, date of 1st registration and the other details colour etc held for all and everyone to view.

Maybe though the most important fact is when I asked for it's removal it still is online and for all to see, this is the sad part.

The simple fact is the owner should have a right to choose what data about their car should be for public display. In this case this decision has been taken away from me!

Richard
R E Knight

It's a little off topic but still relevant.

Some months ago I sold my YB via E-Bay, and duly unearthed my V5 certificate. I must say that the DVLA was incredibly efficient in answering a query regarding ownership of the number, YMG 16 (query in the late evening, answer very first thing the following morning.) I asked them if they would confirm that since I was selling the car, which had been off the road since 1974, was the number still mine. The reply was emphatically yes, the number stays with the car and cannot be sold until the car is made roadworthy.

I raised the query because while googling around I had come across my number being offered for sale on a cherished number website of a company called Berlinetta for the sum of £2650 - rather more than the price I got for the car including the number incidentally. Subsequent actions were:-

Tried to contact Berlinetta - no response.

Contacted Warwickshire Police crimedesk. Despite various attempts they couldn't contact Berlinetta either.

Contacted DVLA regarding the attempted theft of my number.

Contacted Y-Type register to notify them of this scam. Following members advice this eventually led to me contacting the editor of Classic Car Buyer Magazine. He too tried to contact Berlinetta with no joy and subsequently headlined this situation "OI THAT'S MY NUMBER" and did a full page article on the situation, but without result. He did point out that it might not be Berlinetta that was at fault, but maybe someone asserting that the number belonged to them and trying to sell it through them in order to commit a fraud.

I checked again recently and the number was still offered for sale, along with other YMG numbers. I believe that the fraudster, whoever he may be, had picked up the number from my advertisement on E-Bay, but could equally do so with other people's by picking up numbers from the register.

I know that this attempted crime is hardly in the league of robbery and murder etc. but the amounts of money are substantial, and somehow or other the perpetrator(s) should be sent to gaol in my opinion.

Although the car is no longer mine I would urge everyone to check their number on the Berlinetta website, and report it to the authorities if it is being offered for sale. It would seem that nothing is safe on the web.

Clive Evrall
J.C. Evrall

Clive,

Yes, good advice, shows how easy these things are despite some thinking it trivial! Collectively with all the data wouldn't be too hard to try to sell a plate like you say, some fraudster makes their bob you have hassle of contacting DVLA.
R E Knight

I too share Richard's concern.Having looked at the Privacy Statement it does little to assure one as to how easy it would be to trace one's vehicle.

I do think that individuals should have been asked if they wish their information to be posted on the site. The T Register merely confirms a car as existing, without the ability to trace the owner and their place of residence.

I guess a more sophisticated method would be to enbable all owners to have their own login so that they would be the only ones who could access the personal details. Is this kind of approach a feasible option?

Sincerely

Jerry
J P BIRKBECK

Richard.
Thank you for your response, however, you have not actually answered my question about your thread heading.
Bearing in mind that the DVLA form “V5” is only relevant to UK residents, your phraseology infers that the information on this newly published database has been gleaned from the DVLA database. Now you, many others and I will understand that this is not possible, but some will jump to the wrong conclusion and fear a breach of security and privacy. Without wishing to be unkind, perhaps this was a bit of “poetic licence” to grab owner’s attention.
Because of my personal background, I am very conscious of the dangers of personal information getting into the “wrong hands”, but as far as I can see, there is nothing on the “data record card” that has not been obtained from factory records or existing data base records (e.g. YT data base) or provided by owners.
Whilst I acknowledge your obvious concerns, I do not believe that you can insist that the information is removed, as it has been compiled from non-confidential sources and the copyright rests with the compiler of the database.

Clive Everill's case is partly of his own making by not getting the number registered many years ago when the DVLA mounted a large campaign urging owners with "off road" cars to do so, and they repeated the same message before SORN was introduced. In this case as the car had not been registered on the "modern" system at DVLA it was not subject to the rules of SORN which would have added another level of security for Clive.

There are companies out there who take a chance by advertising numbers for sale and if they get an enquiry, they then have to trace the owner and see if he is prepared to sell and that is how they make their commission. From my working knowledge of the DVLA, there is no way that Clive’s car could have been transferred to another owner without his consent, cloned for financial gain or traced to him without the DVLA being involved and many questions being asked.

The same applies to any information on the new MGY database.
Perhaps the direct link to Y's on Parade could be deleted?

We live in a very “transparent” world these days and our protection is common sense and care as to how we use the wonders of the internet.

Keith D Herkes

Good Evening Keith and everyone else.

The point is that I did register my car with the DVLA after the old style log books were phased out, and they returned my log book as being cancelled (at my request)together with a form V5 back in the early 80s. I played everything by the book, and passed on the documentation to the new owner when he bought the car a few months ago. As far as I am concerned I couldn't have done any more.

I make my point again. There are fraudsters out there, and they shouldn't be out there but in gaol. As I said before, I suggest that everyone googles their number and checks the Berlinetta website. You too could be a potential victim. Hope this helps.


Regards

Clive
J.C. Evrall

Richard,

Without telling us which car is yours on the database, what information do you feel is currently shown on your card that makes you feel that you can be in any way targeted? If your name, home location, and/or licence plate is there, then you possibly have a case to be concerned. Otherwise, I would place another vote for a healthy dose of paranoia. Please tell us where you think you are potentially under threat from the information currently on your car?

Ask any policeman who knows his stuff about the DVLA and he'll tell you that you cannot do anything on a V5 without quoting either the unique reference number or the document reference number (see attached image for reference), and since neither of these fields are shown on the database, your fears are irrational.

Steve James

Part 2
It's up to individuals to come to their own conclusions!

I am surprised that Paul Barrow the web master has been rather quiet in any replies here. Normally he is quick to reply, so I do look forward to the official "International Y Register Committee view" As Willem one of the committee says "but do agree some kind of owner-consent could/should have been asked"

Anyway as Clive has from experience pointed out, you can never be too careful what ever system is in place.

I do Keith, have to disagree with you comment about added security in respect of SORN, as recently highlighted on the consumer "Watchdog programme" about how DVLA had tried to prosecute registered keepers who had declared a SORN notification. In the small print DVLA have said they will write back to confirm a SORN notification has been received, however in cases shown on "Watchdog" owners who had registered a SORN and not had a letter received a summons for back payment of non tax, which the DVLA say in the small print is for the Registered keeper to chase the DVLA if one doesn't receive a letter within the specified number of days.
Yes thats the law they say!

Similarly I recall officialdom and case where car was crushed in Lonodon by over zealous parking enforcement.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23392119-crushed-by-the-council-the-30000-classic-car-that-was-parked-legally.do
R E Knight

Keith, thanks, for clarity I don't seek to infer the DVLA data base had anything to do with this data base hosted on the "International Y Register" I seek to infer that this is information supplied/or/and obtained by the "International Y Register" when information was first past to the site when it was the MGCC Y Register site or obtained by other means which another thread suggest was private purchase by the web administrator of old MG Factory records.

In respect the site is hosted by company called DMR based here in the UK and any data held would fall within this act.

Putting legal acts to one side, this is a site formerly the official MGCC Y Type Register designed for enthusiasts to share data with consent. At one time I sent my photos of the cars I own and a scribe of information to accompany them on Y's on parade.
Until the launch of the data base I was happy! I asked via private email for the removal of the car upon the data base launch and to date a photo I took and own is still posted along with all data one would expect to find on a V5 log book.

Similarly to the fact that the social networking site got bad publicity for not actually removing photos that had been uploaded to it's servers when the user had deleted it from their profile, I seek to highlight that this is no different.
R E Knight

Hi Clive,
My apologies - I misread part of your note re the fact that you did actually hold the old style V5 and therefore the number was safely registered to that car on the "new system". When the DVLA updated the records to the even newer V5C scheme in about 2005, they did suggest that all old V5s be submitted for update. As you quite rightly say, they are many potential criminals out there and they rely on the gullibility of some people to enable them to continue their criminal activity. I am also of the oppinion that every individual has a duty of care to protect themselves through correct and accurate actions.
Keith D Herkes

>The T Register merely confirms a car as existing, without the ability to trace the owner and their place of residence.

Hello Jerry,

Can I just clarify, as I think there may have been some misunderstanding as a result of Richard's original post.

The International Y Type Register Database works in EXACTLY the same fashion as the T Register database, which as you know they have had online for some five years now. NO personally identifiable owner information is either stored or displayed in either database, and the only place of residence information available in the Y Database is Country and, in some cases, County/State (whereas the T Register website just stores Country).

Steve James

Thanks for the note Steve. As you confirmed on the T Type site car details make no reference to the owner.

However, on the Y Type database the last three letters of the owners name are identified and a link to Y's on Parade is mentioned (if the car is on this list). It's pretty easy to work out the owners name and if he/she has also refered to the area of the country they live in then it does not take long to confirm their address if it is an unusual name. That's my point.

What is needed is a more robust system of protection so that whilst the detail of a car can be confirmed (that it exists for example)as happens on the T Type site, no more infromation is provided. Whilst more details can only be included expressly with the consent of the owner. This could be achieved through a dedicated access by way of a password. This happens on several UK based marque websites.

A simple measure such as this woukd help ensure that some of the concerns of owners could be allayed.

Sincerely

Jerry
J P BIRKBECK

Thanks for your reply, Jerry. To respond to your points:

>However, on the Y Type database the last three letters of the owners name are identified

Yes, this is correct. However, I cannot think of any way that divulging the last three letters of an owner's surname could reveal their identity or jeopardise their privacy in any way, shape or form.


>and a link to Y's on Parade is mentioned (if the car is on this list). It's pretty easy to work out the owners name and if he/she has also refered to the area of the country they live in then it does not take long to confirm their address if it is an unusual name. That's my point.

I agree that it may be possible that a determined person could take someone's Y's on Parade information alone and track down their address, just as they could with someone's forum handle (check your own full name and county in Google). But this isn't a privacy issue with the new database; it's a privacy issue with the Y's on Parade page! People voluntarily supplied their name, car history, area of the country, picture of their car etc to the Y's on Parade gallery. This information has been up on the 'net for all to see for years and years without a single quibble - after all, it was given "expressly with the consent of the owner", as you put it. So I have to admit it's very puzzling to me that the addition of a Y database with ZERO personally-identifiable information that in some cases links to the aforementioned age-old voluntary gallery is suddenly causing privacy concerns.


I have attached an image of an International MG Y Type Register "card" below. Can you indicate to me what information on the card you believe should be password protected?

Best Regards,
Steve

Steve James

Of all of the information, assuming every field is complete, how can this be a problem, as there is no personal information on the card. Everything on there is about the car and not about you as an individual so there isn’t any form of sell out. Anything there can be located through public records if one chose to look. We are simply returning to the paranoia that was discussed earlier.
If you consider any of the fields on the card to be “Personal” tell us which, and how that affects you – otherwise you are wasting time posting an empty concern. Certainly none of the information on there can be used in any way as ‘personal’ or as a means to get title to a car in the US. What exactly is your problem (besides being paranoid)?
As for the plate ownership, this seems be a British issue. Having lived in your country for a few years I have seen the selling of plate numbers (don't see the logic, but try to understand), however, the one instance where this was an issue it seems to be due to the E-Bay sale and not the database.
I make the assumption that the real issue is that you have asked that certain information and/or images be removed and that it did not happen immediately. You have got to understand that once these items are posted there removal thakes time. Show some patience.

F Inman

Perhaps I can add context to this exchange by clarifying where I am coming from. I not only designed and wrote the original "online register" facility for the MG Car Club T Register five years ago, but also a far more involved "online register" facility a couple of years back for the MG Car Club V8 Register, with whom I still enjoy a close working relationship. In both projects, the central and overarching concern was privacy, and the stipulation that the database would neither capture nor display personally identifiable information to others without the owner's consent. This aim was achieved in both projects, and if I may blow my trumpet for a second, with a degree of success in terms of the real-world benefits to the MGCC, the marque and its enthusiasts.

Over the past few weeks I have spent my free time working on a third online register system, this time for the International MG Y Type Register, which is the subject of debate on this thread. Once again, privacy was the central concern. Paul Barrow and I considered at great length what data should be made publicly available. The conclusion that we came to was that the use of the last three letters of the surname and a hint as to the location (State/County and Country) would in no way compromise the owner's anonymity if they were not featured in the Y's on Parade gallery - and if they were, then they had personally and of their own free will and accord submitted such information.

To clarify the reason for the inclusion of the last three letters of the surname, this is so that an owner who checks his or her car's record can recognise immediately whether the database correctly identifies them as the owner, and if it doesn't, they can send in revised details. This ensures the database is kept fresh and up-to-date.

Since launch on 1st June, there has been a consistent flow of new and updated information from owners updating the database - sometimes two or three times a day - so clearly these respondents do not consider that there is an integrity compromise; rather, they are actually voting in favour of the access they how have and the further ability to show off their pride and joy in owning a great and often overlooked MG Y.
Steve James

Obviously, everyone in entitled to their own opinion but I find the all too frequent use of the word 'paranoid' in some of the previous comments unwarrented, unnecessary and unpleasant in what has always been a friendly community.

I don't see the new database a problem on its own but the direct link below a car's record card with an implied invitation to view that particular vehicle on Ys on Parade a concern.

The owner's name is immediately identified and I regard my name as personal information.

Could someone explain to me how this conforms to the International Y Type Register's policy that it is "committed to protect the privacy of users"?

I accept that when owners submit their cars to Ys on Parade this information was freely given. For those wishing to identify the owner of a particular car they would have been involved in considerable effort in trawling through the many cars on the site. Consequently it's linking Ys on Parade so directly to the new database that I object to.

I must add, I'm not PARANOID but simply value my privacy.

Jack
J.L. Murray

>Obviously, everyone in entitled to their own opinion but I find the all too frequent use of the word 'paranoid' in some of the previous comments unwarrented, unnecessary and unpleasant in what has always been a friendly community.

Hello Jack,

If you read the first post once by Richard more, you will note he asks everyone "Finally if you are concerned or happy please tell me, as maybe I'm getting paranoid, or more likely just being sensible." I'm afraid I failed to recognise any sense at all in his objections, so given his choice of options, my vote was for paranoia. However, I agree with you that such comments are not particularly conducive to the debate.

I must admit that I still don't understand your objection to simply linking the database to Y's on Parade, the publicly available gallery to which you voluntarily added your full name, county, country, chassis number, first registered date and picture of your car (with licence number) for the whole world to see (not to mention to search on in all major search engines).

Regardless, there seems a stunningly simple solution: if you value your privacy as you say you do, simply ask for your name to be removed from the entry of your car in the Y's on Parade gallery.
Steve James

This has been of great interest, I can now sleep more easy, because as Steve James says direct quote " Paul Barrow and I considered at great length what data should be made publicly available" Therefore it must be right!

This sums it up!

Blow what anyone thinks because the above say they are right! Oh so similar to the old politics of the last 13 years, of blowing their own trumpets. I fill full of hope!

I stand by my view!

The request for it's removal despite the simplicity of deleting a link (Hardly takes second) 10 days later is still not done.

Anyway enough politics, arguments it's run its course!

Sincere Thanks to all who contributed on all sides and views.

Richard
R E Knight

Richard,

It's a shame to see the level of your posting in this exchange degrade to that of your last post. Your attitude is unwarranted, unnecessary and unpleasant.

In my view, the "argument" has not run its course. I asked you a number of direct questions above which you have not responded to (I assume you overlooked them by accident). I have copied them for you once again below and look forward to your answers:

-Without telling us which car is yours on the database, what information do you feel is currently shown on your card that makes you feel that you can be in any way targeted?
-Please tell us where you think you are potentially under threat from the information currently on your car?

Thanking in advance for your response,
Steve
Steve James

Steve,

This thread is becoming and sounding like a tantrum. It was intended to highlight that there is data recorded in a data base which I in my view is an unecessary security risk.

Simply put a criminal would not play by the rules.

Lets say hypothetically that with the information you know the Make, model, registration number, chassis number, Engine number you could easily go online obtain a simple insurance quote, using a name, address real or not. Take out an insurance policy having produced no documents. If asked claim the car was a recent purchase!

With other information and knowledge of a cars location and the correct owners name, seek to fabricate that a money transfer has taken place and claim civil ownership of the car.

If the crimianl fraudster were brave enough take the matter to civil court where on the balance of probabilities the owner has to prove it were theirs, and frauders lays claim that they are the owner.

OK they have the V5 but the criminal pleads stupidity and that they didn't get the paper part of change of registered keeper or any other fabrication.

Ownership would then rest with the civil court who have to act on the balance of probabilities.
In all likelihood the court would take the side of the genuine owner/registered keeper. Far fetched, yes! but avoidable yes! by not publishing here!

I'm sure there are other things which could be done which may cause unnecessary grief and time for the owner.

Yes the above is a crime and is hypothetically thought up, but just an example. Certainly is still one word against the other therefore in Criminal law would need to prove beyond all reasonable doubt, here one word against the other!

Yes I accept it is unlikely, but things like Clive's case do happen! Certainly the less data/information available the harder it is to lay any claim or to try and committ any wrong against another.

Another fact would be to get cloned plates made up from online seller claiming the plate to be a sign, hence avoiding loop hole of having to produce a V5, wait till the spring run or an MG event, steal the car, get to a ferry port with the car in trailer, car stolen and not picked up on camera if checked on ANPR style camera. Car details of another car not stolen thne used on car whilst abroad and out the UK, again unlikely but does happen!

The thief doesn't care, provided they can off load and get their money from the unsuspecting buyer in the foreign country that then doesn't have access to the UK data base.

The basic point is why publish such data? If required one can ask for it via the car club register! Also the second point to come out of the thread is that the data provided initially I accept by consent isn't being removed despite polite request, hence the change in my initial calm tone to more irritated tone as it is within an owners right to publish their data they choose, this isn't DVLA data base but supposed to be for enthusiasts with their consent!
R E Knight

I agree with Richard that his scenerios are a bit far fetched, yet possible. I would assume, however, that before going to such lengths the thief would pick a car of better resale value, such as a Ferrari or Mercedes.

As for the information that he has acquired via our data base, I can only speak of how such things work in the US. Here that same thief could just go to our Department of Motor Vehicle database and get the same information.

If a vote on the merits of the database are what we are looking for, I for one believe it to be a positive move and thank both Paul and Mr. Murray for their efforts. Let us concentrate on the positive and quit condemning those that work so deligently to better our little Y-Type world.

F Inman

Richard, you are going on like a broken record and no one is really listening any more. It is time to respond to Steve’s questions … or stop the whining. You ask questions – these have been answered by various people, but you do not answer theirs. Have the decency to answer their questions for once instead of writing a book on how to steal a car (you aren’t a professional car thief are you?) To answer your latest question on why publish it? The answer is very simple – because it enhances the enjoyment for me and others of our cars. You are not helping that.

As a follow-on to Richard’s concerns, does anyone in the Y Type community have connections with any law enforcement agencies ? With all this paranoia, it would be interesting to have a baseline of all the Y Type car thefts in the past decade.

R Lloyd

This thread has generated a considerable amount of interest and without doubt has caused concern to a few UK Y Owners, mainly as a result of the thread heading. It has been stated here that the Y Database contains no personal details of the owner and this is true. However the ‘hyperlink’ to Ys on Parade, when car details have been provided, enable any visitor to link to more personal information with minimum effort. In recognition of this and to allay fears expressed it has been decided, by the IMGYR to remove the hyperlink between the Y Database and the actual car on Ys on Parade.

The inclusion of entries of Ys on Parade is, and remains, entirely discretionary. Richard Knight asked Paul Barrow, the webmaster, to remove his entries on the 1st June 2010 and I understand that this request was complied with on 2nd June 2010. I believe that Richard’s request, that has not been complied with, relates solely to the removal of his cars from the database. The intention of the database is to provide a comprehensive list of all Ys produced, based on factory records, where available, and supplemented by other (non-personal) facts supplied by the owner. This is factual data and has no personal content, therefore there are neither privacy issues nor do we believe issues with compliance of the Data Protection Act.

The T Register operate a similar database but also the V8 Register of the MG Car Club also provide similar details relating to their cars. Our RV8 is listed showing VIN, (equivalent to Chassis Numbers), Registration Number, Body Colour, Interior Trim Colour etc and also the fact that it is located in Sussex. UK. Photographs of cars are also shown when provided to the Registrar. I am unaware of similar concerns being raised in relation to V8s & RV8s, despite their significantly greater value and rarity, than dare I say it, Y Types.

Personally I think that it is imperative that we should all safeguard our private and personal information on the internet and to this end I would not subscribe to networking sites. Those persons who have suggested ‘googling’ their name, car registration etc to ascertain what information is in the public domain are to be congratulated. If you you live in the UK and your telephone is not ex-directory (not listed in the White Pages) then sites including 192.com will provide your full address details with access to the Electoral Role and details of who else else resides in your property etc. One cannot be too careful in this electronic age.

I have avoided use of the word paranoia and tried to reflect a number of views that have been communicated to me off the Bulletin Board. As a result of the international status of our cars a number of owners were clueless as to what a V5 is and certainly many were complementary about the effort that Paul has put into compiling the database from numerous sources, and believe this to be a great asset to the International Y Type Community; no small feat.

In summary the IMGYR has, following discussions between committee members, concluded that in the interests of confidentiality the direct link to an individual car on Ys on Parade will be deactivated; the statement though as to whether or not the car is featured on Ys on Parade will remain in place as a statement of fact. The Y Database will continue to provide (non-personal) details of all known cars and all are encouraged to verify facts relating to their own cars.

It is hoped that the above goes some way to providing a conclusion to this debate and we can all return to enjoying our cars.

David Pelham
Public Relations – International MG Y Type Register, www.mgytypes.org.

David Pelham

Firstly I would like to congratulate Richard Knight for highlighting the various pitfalls in using the internet. With the very best will in the world there are thieves out there who will use any information available to their own advantage if given the opportunity. It is better to be cautioned of potential risks than suffer the unintended consequences.

To see your own number advertised for sale is, frankly, utterly infuriating. Warning people of the possible dangers of a form of identity theft is not by any means paranoia, but well intentioned common sense advice, which everyone would do well to consider taking. I urge everyone to google their Registration No. whether their car is on the road, off the road, or indeed no longer in existence. If it happens to you you will no doubt realise the value of Richard's comments.

Having said that I have no wish to criticise an absolutely brilliant website, and would like to thank the administrators for giving so much interest and pleasure to so many people. Their work is very much appreciated.

I find it frustrating that having reported the attempted fraud to the DVLA, the Police and seeing a full page article as well as headlines in the magazine "Classic Car Buyer" my previously owned number is still offered for sale for £2650 and no authority has done anything about it. If it happens to you please report it and publicise it by any means possible. Maybe then something will be done about these people, whoever they may be.

Clive Evrall
J.C. Evrall

This thread was discussed between 06/06/2010 and 11/06/2010

MG MG Y Type index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MG Y Type BBS now