Why do people black out their license plates when posting pics?

Arkansas3 · 02-05-2006, 09:39 PM

Maybe I'm missing something, but why do a lot of people black out or airbrush out their license plates when posting pics on this board? What's the big deal if someone sees your plates?

parachute · 02-05-2006, 10:01 PM

i really don't know, but this is what i figured: say someone steals a BMW and needs to come up with a license plate number what better than an existing plate on the same bmw model, so it wouldn't be suspicious if cops saw it, lol, idk, am I right?

Lost Rider · 02-05-2006, 10:09 PM

I'm not sure what the paranoia is all about either, but whatever it is I'm very afraid of it.

I didn't cover my plates on the last pics of my car.
I'm screwed.
I think it come from the paranoid Windows users out there.
With all the WARNING messages constantly popping up telling you someone is going to steal your info, or you computer has spyware, or some other disturbing sounding MESSAGE.

WARNING!!!BE PARANOID!!!SOMEONE IS STEALING YOUR INFO RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!YOU HAVE A VIRUS!!!!!!BUY THIS EXTRA PRODUCT TO SAVE YOU!!!!

Arkansas3 · 02-07-2006, 10:20 AM

if you want to see my plates, take a look at my garage.

shimshimhada · 02-07-2006, 10:21 AM

It's just a little something to ease your mind I guess, it only takes like 5 seconds anyway.

Nikki · 02-07-2006, 10:26 AM

So no one can find your car or information about you. I used to do it when I had my Integra GS-R but I don't worry so much about anyone stealing this car.

NPinUK · 02-07-2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parachute

i really don't know, but this is what i figured: say someone steals a BMW and needs to come up with a license plate number what better than an existing plate on the same bmw model, so it wouldn't be suspicious if cops saw it, lol, idk, am I right?

same reason i do it!

longtran · 02-07-2006, 10:44 AM

they're shy...

Paul330d · 02-07-2006, 10:46 AM

Same reason people don't use their real names as usernames?

noflash · 02-07-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul330d

Same reason people don't use their real names as usernames?

Your names not Paul?

Paul330d · 02-07-2006, 11:33 AM

Of course, but I'm rarely referred to as Mr 330d

02-07-2006, 01:14 PM

people can run license plates and see where you live. Everyone shows off all there modifications..which can easily be stolen, espeically if you know where they live!

vladinecko · 02-07-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTDREW

people can run license plates and see where you live. Everyone shows off all there modifications..which can easily be stolen, espeically if you know where they live!

i second that!

Raikkonen · 02-07-2006, 05:01 PM

Come on guys (and ladies). There's absolutely NO reason to cover up your plate when you post pictures. How is it any different than when you drive your car with it exposed??? Can people not write it down then? What if someone drives past your home and it's in your driveway?? Then they have your plate# AND know where you live!!! People have somehow convinced themselves that they are more secure when it's covered, but in reality, it makes NO DIFFERENCE!!!

underDAWG · 02-07-2006, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTDREW

people can run license plates and see where you live. Everyone shows off all there modifications..which can easily be stolen, espeically if you know where they live!

If they are that smart and know how to plan ahead, they don't need to steal from you. They can earn it themselves.

Besides, the pic with a blacken out plate looks like sh*t even it is a nice shoot. So people if you are worry about your privacy, don't post your your picture or compose your pic so that the plate is not showing.

ff soapbox:

02-08-2006, 12:42 PM

wouldnt mattter to me.. my car is registered to a diff address from where i live

BMW786 · 02-08-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raikkonen

Come on guys (and ladies). There's absolutely NO reason to cover up your plate when you post pictures. How is it any different than when you drive your car with it exposed??? Can people not write it down then? What if someone drives past your home and it's in your driveway?? Then they have your plate# AND know where you live!!! People have somehow convinced themselves that they are more secure when it's covered, but in reality, it makes NO DIFFERENCE!!!

well, when you're driving it's different. People may just catch a glimpse of your car and you'll probably never see those ppl. again. Plus how many strangers are you exposed to while driving as opposed to the number of strangers on the net?

For me, when I've posted pics in the past, I've always cropped out the license plate. Just the thought of having my license plate on the internet accessible to millions of ppl. who could download the photo and keep it forever just doesn't sit well with me.

Agreed, the photos don't look as good with the plate cropped out but I'd rather have peace of mind. I know one guy here had his E90 pics posted on another website without his permission!

One-Way · 02-08-2006, 01:07 PM

Mine says Pacific BMW for now. So, blah.

rag21 · 02-08-2006, 01:45 PM

the man can get to you through your plates...

CnoteMD · 02-08-2006, 02:16 PM

I do it for more of a privacy thing as I prefer to remain relatively anonymous on the internet. Sure most of the members on this forum are normal, but there are always a few not-so-normal individuals out there viewing these forums that could easily look up personal information based on a license plate number.

As some have mentioned, for those with highly modified cars it may also make you a more likely target of theft. Sure we drive around with our license plates exposed, but having a high concentration of BMW's (or any brand, for that matter) on an internet site with identifiable information is just asking for trouble.

The same way the internet has made things increasingly easy to purchase legitamately, I don't want to contribute to the simplification of locating cars (or people) for thieves, stalkers, etc.

In the end, people will always do what is more comfortable for them.

SteveMD · 02-08-2006, 02:35 PM

I always wondered the same thing but was afraid to ask

Booster · 02-08-2006, 03:23 PM

eh... this could help...
https://www.abika.com/forms/Verifydmvrecords.asp

02-05-2006, 09:39 PM	#1
Arkansas3 Private First Class 7 Rep 186 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Why do people black out their license plates when posting pics? Maybe I'm missing something, but why do a lot of people black out or airbrush out their license plates when posting pics on this board? What's the big deal if someone sees your plates? __________________ 325i \| Sparkling \| Grey Leather \| Premium \| Xenons \| Heated Seats \| Comfort Access \| Sat Prep (which is a waste of money) \| Floor Mats (which my dealer made me buy)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-05-2006, 10:01 PM	#2
parachute parachute 96 Rep 539 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: TN, USA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 335i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	i really don't know, but this is what i figured: say someone steals a BMW and needs to come up with a license plate number what better than an existing plate on the same bmw model, so it wouldn't be suspicious if cops saw it, lol, idk, am I right? __________________ 335i Coupe - LeMans Blue 325i Sedan - Mystic Blue (Retired)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 10:09 PM	#3
Lost Rider Captain 87 Rep 805 Posts Drives: R NineT, X1 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW R NineT [0.00] 2015 X1 xdrive [9.00]	I'm not sure what the paranoia is all about either, but whatever it is I'm very afraid of it. I didn't cover my plates on the last pics of my car. I'm screwed. I think it come from the paranoid Windows users out there. With all the WARNING messages constantly popping up telling you someone is going to steal your info, or you computer has spyware, or some other disturbing sounding MESSAGE. WARNING!!!BE PARANOID!!!SOMEONE IS STEALING YOUR INFO RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!YOU HAVE A VIRUS!!!!!!BUY THIS EXTRA PRODUCT TO SAVE YOU!!!! __________________ GET LOST! www.lostrider.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 10:20 AM	#4
Arkansas3 Private First Class 7 Rep 186 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	if you want to see my plates, take a look at my garage. __________________ 325i \| Sparkling \| Grey Leather \| Premium \| Xenons \| Heated Seats \| Comfort Access \| Sat Prep (which is a waste of money) \| Floor Mats (which my dealer made me buy)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 10:21 AM	#5
shimshimhada Brigadier General 443 Rep 4,838 Posts Drives: Portal Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portal iTrader: (2)	It's just a little something to ease your mind I guess, it only takes like 5 seconds anyway.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 10:26 AM	#6
Nikki Major General 994 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	So no one can find your car or information about you. I used to do it when I had my Integra GS-R but I don't worry so much about anyone stealing this car. __________________ Nikki
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 10:44 AM	#8
longtran Lieutenant General 1439 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	they're shy...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 10:46 AM	#9
Paul330d Torque junky 115 Rep 1,688 Posts Drives: Remapped e90 330d Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: France (UK expat) iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330d [0.00] 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 [0.00]	Same reason people don't use their real names as usernames? __________________ www.greenkeepers.fr - spécialiste des tondeuses à gazon hélicoïdales atco qualcast ransomes lawnflite
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 11:33 AM	#11
Paul330d Torque junky 115 Rep 1,688 Posts Drives: Remapped e90 330d Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: France (UK expat) iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330d [0.00] 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 [0.00]	Of course, but I'm rarely referred to as Mr 330d __________________ www.greenkeepers.fr - spécialiste des tondeuses à gazon hélicoïdales atco qualcast ransomes lawnflite
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 01:14 PM	#12
DTDREW Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	people can run license plates and see where you live. Everyone shows off all there modifications..which can easily be stolen, espeically if you know where they live!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2006, 05:01 PM	#14
Raikkonen Captain 340 Rep 820 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 M60i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grosse Pointe Park, MI iTrader: (2)	Come on guys (and ladies). There's absolutely NO reason to cover up your plate when you post pictures. How is it any different than when you drive your car with it exposed??? Can people not write it down then? What if someone drives past your home and it's in your driveway?? Then they have your plate# AND know where you live!!! People have somehow convinced themselves that they are more secure when it's covered, but in reality, it makes NO DIFFERENCE!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2006, 12:42 PM	#16
DTDREW Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	wouldnt mattter to me.. my car is registered to a diff address from where i live
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2006, 01:07 PM	#18
One-Way Private First Class 27 Rep 154 Posts Drives: Coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Glendale, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Mine says Pacific BMW for now. So, blah.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2006, 01:45 PM	#19
rag21 lets drink 4 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 06 E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NJ, USA iTrader: (0)	the man can get to you through your plates... __________________ There's no place like 127.0.0.1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2006, 02:16 PM	#20
CnoteMD Commander in Chief 37 Rep 1,034 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 535i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M5 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	I do it for more of a privacy thing as I prefer to remain relatively anonymous on the internet. Sure most of the members on this forum are normal, but there are always a few not-so-normal individuals out there viewing these forums that could easily look up personal information based on a license plate number. As some have mentioned, for those with highly modified cars it may also make you a more likely target of theft. Sure we drive around with our license plates exposed, but having a high concentration of BMW's (or any brand, for that matter) on an internet site with identifiable information is just asking for trouble. The same way the internet has made things increasingly easy to purchase legitamately, I don't want to contribute to the simplification of locating cars (or people) for thieves, stalkers, etc. In the end, people will always do what is more comfortable for them. __________________ 2008 BMW 535i Space Gray, Black Leather, Dark Bamboo Trim\| Sport Automatic with Paddles \| Sport Package 2008 BMW M5 (gone, but not forgotten) Space Gray, Silverstone Merino Leather, Madeira Walnut Wood Trim \| 7speed SMG \| All options Mods: Corsa Exhaust \| RPI Ram Air Intake \| H&R Sport Springs \| Rogue Engineering 12mm spacers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2006, 02:35 PM	#21
SteveMD Colonel 198 Rep 2,485 Posts Drives: 2016 F10 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Raventown! iTrader: (3)	I always wondered the same thing but was afraid to ask __________________ 2006 E90 330i (retired) 2009 E90 335i (retired) 2012 E70 X5 50i M Sport (retired) 2016 F10 535i M Sport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2006, 03:23 PM	#22
Booster Pave The Rainforest 269 Rep 1,197 Posts Drives: Wagon Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norfolk, VA iTrader: (33) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	eh... this could help... https://www.abika.com/forms/Verifydmvrecords.asp __________________ Sold: 2015 Pyrite Brown M3 Sold: 2020 Sunset Orange M340i Xdrive Sold: 2021 Bluestone 540i Xdrive Msport
	Appreciate 0 Quote