Motorists: Five driving scams you need to steer-clear of

Scammers are out in full-force and even the pandemic can't stop them - in recent months we've reported on a number of scams that can have huge financial consequences for the victims.

READ MORE: 5 Covid scams you should be aware of right now

READ MORE: Scam surge: What to look out for to avoid falling victim

From fake driving licenses to dodgy online car sales - there are a plethora of nasty scams out there that everyone needs to avoid.

Here are five online scams that all drivers need to steer-clear of:

1. Fake driving licenses could cost learner drivers £600

Following the pandemic, learner drivers are left with a long wait for their driving test.

Some fraudsters are capitalising on the wait and targeting motorists who don’t want to wait to sit their test. Scammers are selling fake licences and paper certificates online for £600 each, stating they have inside access to driving test centres and can pass learner drivers without having to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

No licence cards are issued and the fraudsters take the funds. 

2. ‘Too good to be true’ car insurance deals could cost you £785

Falling victim to these scams could end up costing you heavily (stock/PA).

Fraudsters often take the form of fake car insurance providers.

These scammers, known as ghost brokers, sell ‘too good to be true’ car insurance deals to drivers that are none the wiser that they are buying a policy that is completely worthless.

According to the Association of British Insurers the average cost of car insurance is £485.

Victims of ghost broking could not only be paying this premium, but also  a £300 fine when they are penalised for driving an uninsured vehicle.

3. Fake road tax text scam could cost you your bank balance

The DVLA recently issued a warning over a sharp rise in fake text messages that read as if they are sent by the agency.

The texts either warn drivers that their payment details need to be updated or that their road tax is in need of renewal.

These text messages give recipients a link to re-enter their bank details, potentially giving scammers access to their bank accounts where they can immediately transfer the balance to another account.

4. Facebook car adverts could cost you £5.1k 

Be careful when buying cars on Facebook (stock / PA)

Although Facebook Marketplace is a great place to purchase a used car, fraudsters are also using the platform to advertise vehicles at bargain prices to lure in potential buyers.

One unlucky victim from County Clare paid £5,179 (€6,000) for a car that was never delivered.

False sellers pressure motorists to send a deposit and pay for vehicle delivery. They then take the money and run – so buyers are left without a car and their money.

5. Car buying scammers can leave you £2,000 out of pocket

Not only can buying a car be risky, so can selling it online.

Some scammers will turn up for an in-person inspection of the vehicle being sold, and distract the seller while an accomplice adds engine oil to the water reservoir.

The car will of course break down if driven, with the criminals claiming the seller has tried to sell them a faulty car – they’ll use this as leverage for a significantly lower asking price.

The scammers will then empty the engine oil out of the reservoir and sell the car on to another completely unknowing buyer. 

The Derbyshire Times found that in some reports victims of the scam were £2,000 worse off.