Warning for drivers with Facebook or WhatsApp – you could be hit with a huge bill
NEW drivers are being warned to avoid car insurance scams circulating on social media including WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
The scams involves fraudsters pretending to be Insurance Brokers to try and sell you unrealistically cheap fake policies.
The (IFB) has urged drivers to watch out for what they call 'Ghost Broking'.
Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said: “The last thing new drivers need right now is to risk losing their car for no insurance because they’ve been duped by a scammer on social media.
"Drivers must carry out basic checks to make sure they’re buying car insurance through a trusted provider, or they’ll be making a very expensive mistake.
“I encourage anyone who’s seen evidence of an insurance scam to report it to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline online or on 0800 422 0421.”
The bureau has concerns that scammers are trying to take advantage of the influx of newly passed drivers that had been delayed by the pandemic.
Most read in Tech
Mark Magee, Head of Driver Policy at the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, said: "Check to make sure insurance brokers are genuine before parting with your money."
The IFB says some youngsters have been forking out hundreds to pay for what are essentially photoshopped insurance papers.
The scammers may also try to steal your personal details as well as your money.
If an insurance deal sounds to good to be true then it probably is.
Make sure you shop around and use official verified companies to find your insurance.
If you drive without car insurance you could see your vehicle instantly seized and et six licence points.
You could also end up in court and receive a fine and a driving ban.
Uninsured driving convictions can affect job prospects and you uninsured drivers may have to pay out thousands if they cause a collision.
- Read all the latest Phones & Gadgets news
- Keep up-to-date on Apple stories
- Get the latest on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered...
- How to get your deleted Instagram photos back
- How can I change my Facebook password?
- How can I do a duet on TikTok?
- Here's how to use your iPhone's Apple logo as a BUTTON
- How can I change my Amazon Alexa voice in seconds?
- What is dating app Bumble?
- How can I increase my Snapchat score?
- How can I test my broadband internet speed?
- Here's how to find your Sky TV remote in SECONDS
In other news, WhatsApp is working on a feature that could see your messages disappear after 90 days.
Sexting warnings will be sent to parents of children who have an iPhone or iPad that is sending or receiving explicit images.
And, the next iPhone will come in a new pink colour and start at just under £800, according to recent rumours.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]