Don't be caught out by fake motor insurance
THE RESULT COULD BE CRUSHING
Deal too good to be true? It probably is!
Ghost Brokers target everyone; from young inexperienced drivers, to those who depend on their vehicle for work, such as food delivery drivers and taxi drivers.
Don't put your job and livelihood at risk!
Have you heard of Ghost Broker scams?
Motor insurance is a lifeline for so many people. But if you haven't carried out essential checks before buying a policy, then it could be fake and the consequences are crushing.
Ghost Brokers are fraudsters who pretend to be real Brokers to sell unrealistically cheap and fake policies to unsuspecting victims. These bogus deals can be found on social media and through word of mouth. Usually, the policy is just a photoshopped piece of paper, or it may have been taken out using stolen information which still makes it fraudulent and invalid.
Fall for a Ghost Broker scam and you'll be driving without insurance, which means the police can seize and crush your vehicle, and you can face court where you might receive a driving ban and an unlimited fine. This can have a devastating impact on being able to work and can have an ongoing impact on career prospects.
With an uninsured vehicle being seized every four minutes in the UK, it's very easy for police to spot a driver that has no policy. That's why it's so vital to know the signs of Ghost Broking scams and steer clear of fraud.
Avoid Ghost Broker scams
Think it can't happen to you?
When it comes to preventing fraud, awareness is vital. Spread the word of Ghost Broking scams to help protect your friends and family.
DON'T GET CAUGHT OUT
How to spot a Ghost Broker
Know the signs
- The price is much better than you can find anywhere else.
- The seller only wants to communicate via social media or a messaging app (eg Whatsapp or Snapchat).
- The seller is vague about how they're getting you such a good price.
- The seller doesn't have a legitimate website, UK landline number or address.
Do your checks
- If buying through a broker, check they're registered with British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA). Check here...
- If buying directly through an insurer, check they're a member of Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Check here...
- Whether broker or insurer, check they're registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If they're not, avoid using them! Check here...
Know the consequences
- Your car may be seized and crushed.
- There is a £300 fixed penalty notice.
- You may get six points on your driving licence.
- You face the cost of retrieving your impounded vehicle... if it's not been crushed.
- You face the cost of buying a new, valid insurance policy.
- There may be court action resulting in a criminal record, an unlimited fine and a driving ban.
- You may be personally liable for your own and any third-party claims costs.
I've checked and my insurance is all legit...
Great! Drive on and mind how you go.
Keep an eye out for suspicious ads on social media and report anything you see to IFB's Cheatline online or call 0800 422 0421.
By helping us reduce fraud you can help lower insurance premiums and keep our roads safe.
I've been caught out or seen a scam online...
Report it!
If you know or suspect someone of committing insurance fraud, report it via IFB's Cheatline online or call 0800 422 0421.
It should also be reported to the police via Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.
By helping us reduce fraud you can help lower insurance premiums and keep our roads safe.
I want to know how IFB tackles Ghost Broking...
As the counter fraud intelligence hub for the insurance industry, we share the information you provide securely with insurers, the police and industry watchdogs, helping to protect the honest majority.
Read how we uncovered one fraudster who sold hundreds of fake policies.