According to fraud expert Jenny Radcliffe, drivers face three motoring scams that could catch them off guard. These scams involve buying second-hand vehicles, paying ULEZ fares, and car insurance. Radcliffe spoke about these concerns on This Morning.
Used Car Scam
When purchasing a used car, motorists may fall victim to various frauds. Research conducted by Close Brothers Motor Finance last year revealed that 1 in 10 drivers in the UK has been defrauded when buying a vehicle.
Radcliffe emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research to avoid buying stolen vehicles or paying more than necessary. She advised, “Before making a purchase, it’s worth checking whether the car is genuinely for sale or if it’s stolen. Is the seller trustworthy? Have they sold many cars before? What are the reviews?”
Radcliffe emphasized the need for buyers to inspect the cars before paying and to match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with the paperwork to ensure they match.
Motorists should also visit the DVLA website to check a vehicle’s MOT history. Additionally, Radcliffe cautioned against using selling apps, as this could lead to potential problems.
Radcliffe warned, “A red flag would be if the seller insists on communicating through social media or other messaging platforms. It’s better to stay on the app where you are buying the car. That way, if anything goes wrong, you have the app’s support.”
ULEZ Payment Scam
Radcliffe also alerted drivers to the presence of unofficial ULEZ sites that deceive unaware road users and take their money. Non-compliant vehicle owners need to pay £12.50 per day to enter the ULEZ zone, but scammers have taken advantage of this.
She warned, “There are many bogus websites in operation. People are being tricked into paying these fake websites, thinking they have paid for ULEZ. In reality, they are not legally allowed to drive within the zone.”
Radcliffe stressed that the only legitimate site for ULEZ payments is Transport for London.
She also advised drivers in other cities with Clean Air Zones to contact the respective councils to ensure they use the correct websites, such as those in Birmingham and Oxford.
Ghost Broker Car Insurance
Ghost brokers scam drivers by offering car insurance policies that turn out to be invalid. Radcliffe noted that these scams often target people on social media, especially younger drivers.
She explained, “You may pay for a policy that sounds like a great deal, but it won’t provide coverage. It’s a fraudulent site. It’s essential that we check the official insurers recommended by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB), and the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA).”
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