The DVLA has issued a scam warning to car owners amid a fake text circulating that is targeting bank accounts.
This week they tweeted two scam warnings which warned car owners to stay vigilant and be aware about what links they were clicking on.
One of their latest warnings urged people to be careful with what they are sharing online.
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In a tweet they said: "Stay safe online – don’t share photos of your V5C log book on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use them for identity theft."
Discussing the ongoing scam, Select Car Leasing has said that the text messages in question warn the recipient that a road tax payment has failed and they could be fined up to £1000 should they not update their bank details.
They urge drivers to enter their personal details meaning scammers can then empty their bank account or use license details to commit major offences on their behalf.
To make drivers aware of the criminals capitalising on the pandemic, Select Car Leasing are now making people aware of four other scams people should keep an eye out for stating that drivers could be risking up to £5,000 if they fall for any one of these scams.
So what are these scams?
1. ‘Too Good to Be True’ Car Insurance Deals Could Cost You £785
Fraudsters often pretend to be car insurance providers and will often sell ‘too good to be true’ deals to drivers, unaware that they are buying a policy that is completely worthless.
According to the Association of British Insurers, the average cost of car insurance is £485. Victims of ghost broking could not only be paying this premium, but also a £300 fine when they are penalised for driving an uninsured vehicle.
2. Facebook Car Adverts Could Cost You £5.1k
Although Facebook Marketplace is a minefield for purchasing a used car, fraudsters are also using the platform to advertise vehicles at bargain prices to lure in potential buyers with one unlucky victim is said to have paid paid £5,179 for a car that was never delivered.
Professional scammers posing as private sellers pressure motorists to send a deposit, plus extra for vehicle delivery and then take the money and run – so buyers are left without a car and their money.
Scammers have also been known to use Facebook to sell stolen, written-off or finances cars knowing that there is minimal legal protection once an owner has handed over their cash.
3. Car Buying Scams Can Leave You £2,000 Out of Pocket
Not only can buying a car be risky, so too can selling it online.
Some scammers will turn up for an in-person inspection of the vehicle being sold and distract the seller while an accomplice adds engine oil to the water reservoir. The car will of course break down if driven, with the criminals claiming the seller has tried to sell them a faulty car – they’ll use this as leverage for a significantly lower asking price.
The scammers will then empty the engine oil out of the reservoir and sell the car on to another completely unknowing buyer.
4. Fake Driving Licenses Could Cost Learner Drivers £600
Learner drivers have to suffer long waits to take their driving test thanks to the covid backlog - and when there is an opportunity, a scammer won't wait around.
As a result, scammers are selling fake licences and paper certificates online for £600 each stating they have inside access to driving test centres and can pass learner drivers without having to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
However, young drivers are then left out of pocket when no licence cards are issued and fraudsters take the funds.
