People with car insurance are being urged to check the finer details of what they were sold – after 27 people were arrested over alleged scams involving non-existent policies.
Police say younger people are more likely to be targeted in the cons – with deals being offered for as little as £700 when legitimate companies would be expected to charge anything up to £2,000.
Fake websites are set up to trick potential buyers as part of the “ghost broking” process, along with adverts offering unrealistic deals.
The City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) carried out the arrests and has since warned that thousands may have fallen victim to the scam.
Unfortunately, many motorists would not realise that they have been conned until they actually have an accident – leaving them unable to pay for the repair of any damage and also leaving them liable to prosecution for driving without insurance.
IFED detective chief inspector Dave Wood said: ” It is absolutely vital that drivers shopping for car insurance online, or through other means, question what they are being offered to ensure they get a real deal.”