Your car insurance premium could be fake as ‘ghost broker’ scam is...

Thousands of UK motorists could be unknowingly driving around without car insurance due to a  new car scam, warn police.  A “ghost broker” scam has been revealed which could result in

thousands of drivers' car insurance premiums been completely fake.  Police forces have received over 850 reports of the scam over the past three years.  It is estimated that the

affected has meant drivers have lost a total of over £631,000, claims the City of London officers.  One issue with the scam is drivers could be completely oblivious that their premium is

invalid, so the number of motorists with fake car insurance could be significantly higher than reported.  These scammers use tactics such as taking out a genuine car insurance policy before

immediately cancelling it and claiming the refund.  In addition to this they also forge important documents and alter the driver’s details to slash the overall price.  According to the

police, men in their 20s are most likely to be targeted by “ghost brokers.”  Victims are usually contacted on social media site including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp. These

criminals are also targeting student websites, money-saving forums, marketplace websites and university notice boards.  It’s not just online where drivers are at risk as motorists are being

targeted and sold fake policies at pubs, clubs, newsagents and even car repair shops, reports Sky News.  Victims of these scams only realise that their policy is completely false when trying

to make a claim on their insurance after an accident or when being stopped by the police.  A campaign warning drivers has been launched to urge motorists to be wary of heavily discounted

car insurance premiums. CAR INSURANCE: HOW TO GET THE BEST POLICY Police forces across the UK have taken action against 417 cases of “ghost broken” over the past three years.  One instance

involved a man who set up 133 fake policies and scammed £59,000 off drivers.  Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fyfe said: "Ghost brokers trick unsuspecting victims with offers of heavily

discounted car insurance, leaving them with a policy that isn't worth the paper it's written on and open to the severe harm that comes with driving without valid insurance.

"Being able to drive is vital for a lot people, whether it be to get to work or pick up their children from school or nursery, so if they fall victim to a ghost broker it could not only

impact on them financially but also seriously affect their day to day life and make things very difficult." It is against the lawyer a driver to not have valid car insurance while on

the road. Those caught without a valid policy face fines,penny point endorsement and even having their car impounded.