An Oakland resident was mistakenly pulled over by Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies due to a license plate reader (ALPR) alert, only to discover her stolen license plates had been swapped onto her car. The incident highlights a growing problem where criminals use stolen plates to evade ALPR surveillance, leading to innocent drivers being targeted. While ALPRs are credited with aiding arrests and reducing crime, they also present privacy risks and can lead to “data hygiene errors.” Critics, like privacy advocate Brian Hofer, argue that law enforcement should verify additional vehicle details beyond license plates before initiating stops. This case underscores the potential for misidentification and the inconvenience and fear experienced by those caught in the system’s blind spots, raising questions about the effectiveness and fairness of widespread ALPR deployment.