Motorists are being warned about a car leasing scam on Instagram that targets drivers with poor credit scores
The fake ads offer vulnerable customers the chance to take out a policy for a car without a credit check or a deposit
DRIVERS with poor credit scores are being warned not to fall for fake adverts for car leases on social media.
The deals offer vulnerable customers the chance to take out a policy for a car without a credit check or a deposit.
Motorists who take out a lease usually have to put down a huge upfront deposit as well as commit to making regular monthly payments.
Because cars leases are a type of credit, only customers with a good credit history are likely to pass the affordability checks.
But scammers are now trying to target drivers who don't meet the criteria via social media.
The dodgy accounts, which have been spotted on Instagram, ask potential victims to direct message the "firm" in order to take out the policy.
HOW YOU CAN SPOT A SCAM
HERE are some tips from the Take Five campaign to help you spot fraud.
1. A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account.
2. Only give out your personal or financial details to use a service that you have given your consent to, that you trust and that you are expecting to be contacted by.
3. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
4. If you're approached with a request for personal information, do not provide it. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
In reality, the deal doesn't exists and the contact information is likely to be controlled by scammers who will try to get you to hand over your hard earned cash.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), alongside Action Fraud, are warning motorists to be wary if they spot an ad offering a deal that looks too good to be true.
BVRLA boss Gerry Keaney said: "These criminals are purposely targeting the vulnerable, scamming money from people who can least afford to lose it.
"It’s deplorable. Their adverts can appear very convincing with some even posing as BVRLA members and citing membership numbers of legitimate members.
"We want to get the message out there that all legitimate leasing brokers adhere to Financial Conduct Authority rules and will carry out credit and affordability checks.
"Those who don't, will not be legitimate traders and could be out to scam you."
Customers can check whether a leasing broker is genuine by contacting BVRLA's Adam Holt on [email protected].
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In addition, Brits are being warned to be aware of gift card fraud as new figures reveal that £6.5million was lost through the scam between April 1 2015 and March 31 2018.
One gentleman was told to buy £1,000 in iTunes gift cards by scammers impersonating HMRC.
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