Auto Trader link to DVLA?

[simpo one]

I just placed an on-line advert with AutoTrader. As part of the essential information it asked for the registration number (though it would not be published).

When the preview advert appeared I was surprised to see that the colour of the car was already listed in the advert. I hadn't told them what colour it was - so how did AutoTrader get this information? Presumably it's an anti fraud measure - yet I could have deleted the default colour and changed it.

[JSG]

A number od on-line insurance companies use the same link. You key in the reg number and it then displays model, engine size etc. It seems to be in fairly common use nowadays.