Plates4less Warn that Private Number Plate Social Media Scams are on the Rise
Private plate owners could lose hundreds or thousands of pounds at the hands of scammers.
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Experts have warned motorists against buying and selling personalised registrations on social media sites due to the risk of being scammed.
Owners could lose hundreds or thousands of pounds if they list their UK private plates for sale on social media buying and selling sites as the number of fraudulent cases soars.
Plates4Less (part of VRM Swansea) has revealed the top three scams and a special guide to help motorists avoid being ripped-off themselves.
There are three types of scams to be aware of:
1. An innocent buyer lists a wanted advert. The scammer replies with a great offer, and the sale is conducted in private. However, the buyer never gets their plate and loses their money
2. A fraudster posing as a buyer convinces a seller to send them their certificate of ownership prior to sending any money and never completes the sale.
3. A scammer lists something for sale that they do not own, often using someone else's copy of entitlement as their proof of ownership.
Plates4less is a Swansea based centre devoted to helping clients buy and sell private number plates across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Antony Clark, Marketing Manager from Plates4less, said: "We are hearing about cases similar to these all the time and they seem to be on the rise. Buyers must triple check that the seller is the legal owner of the registration mark before they part with any money.
"We would advise that they try to conduct the sale in person, if possible. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is," he said.
The rise in cases can be partly attributed to changes in government processes which mean anyone who has a valid certificate number can assign that registration mark to their vehicle immediately. The applicant no longer has to be connected to the registration mark and anyone who innocently posts their certificate online or has their email hacked runs a major risk, as it is there for any scammer to use or sell on.
Many victims of private number plate theft learn of the crime much later when they try to use the registration mark, only to find that it has been assigned elsewhere.
Plates4Less has issued these safeguarding tips for private plate owners:
? Never share certificate images online.
? Keep physical documentation in a safe place and check on it every six months (including its validity).
? Monitor emails to ensure any online accounts with the DVLA, where the plate details are stored, have not been hacked by scammers.
? Use a reputable business to sell a number plate or have it valued. Be sure to check their reviews on a third-party website.
Antony added: "For the safety of both parties, we recommend using a trusted, and fully registered intermediary like Plates4Less, for a secure transfer of funds and goods. We offer a safe and enjoyable experience for buyers and sellers alike. Everyone knows where they stand and they know they are going to get what they are paying for at the right price."
About Us: About VRM Swansea Plates4less Plates4less is a 25-year-old supplier of private number plates to drivers across the UK and Northern Ireland. The company works closely with the DVLA to provide a safe, trusted, cost-effective and fast service for its customers.
Contact Info:
Name: Antony Clark
Email: Send Email
Organization: VRM Swansea Plates4less
Website: https://www.plates4less.co.uk/
Release ID: 89105239
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