Drivers are being warned that sharing certain information with others, whether in person or online, could cost them with people being urged to take care who they share information with.
It comes as the Driving Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) warned motorists against sharing their V5C paper to random people.
According to Birmingham Live, the sales of second-hand cars privately has seen a boom in recent time, and more so after the coronavirus pandemic. This is said to be because of the rise in car prices with many people now turning to other ways of getting their next car whilst also saving money.
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But whilst many people are going down this route, the agency has warned about sharing your V5C because of identity theft. This can occur when fraudsters access enough information about someone’s identity and thus making it easer to commit identity fraud.
Fraudsters can then use your information to take control of bank accounts as well as using details to take out things like phone contracts that could cost thousands of pounds and weeks to set right.
The DVLA has stressed you should never "share photos of your V5C log book on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use them for identity theft.".
A V5C document contains information such as a car's registration mark, VIN number and document reference number that is vital for actions such as having a new number plate made up. Criminals can use the information to make cloned licence plates.
Motorists have also been scammed by people coming to look at cars being sold second-hand. One motorist on MoneySavingExpert said: "I listed my car on Autotrader just over a week ago, the first interested buyer that came to look at the car has somehow taken the reference number from the v5 and registered my car in a new name and address.
"I must admit, the man seemed nice and polite but I have been well and truly scammed."
Anyone who is the victim of a scam or aware of suspicious behaviour should inform Action Fraud and the DVLA.
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