Ok , How old is your Mini
are there some digits visible
, I am assuming the number they are trying to read is on the scuttle panel in front of the windscreen drivers side in the 'u' shaped channel behind the bonnet . if so you have the option of getting some sandpaper ( around 600 grit ) and gently wet sanding the area where the number is stamped , this may reveal the number which should start with SAXX *********** usually a 17 number sequence the final 7 being the cars ID . it is also possible it may not be there at all as the scuttle panels have a tendency to rust and many will have been replaced and unless the body shop has number stamps they may have not have replaced the vin number . of course there may be some dubious history and the vin number has been removed to hide the cars true identity but I feel the replacement of the scuttle panel is most likely the cause . anyway have a look at the above items and if I can help further just ask , btw is the aluminium riveted vin plate in place on the r/h inner wing
and does the number tally with the one on the reg doc
if you like PM me the vin number from the plate / reg doc and I may be able to decode it .
G