New warnings over social media scam

New warning over social media scam which may lead to driving ban

New drivers in the UK have been issued a warning of car insurance scams circulating on social media.

Cash-strapped drivers are being urged to exercise caution when finding bogus car insurance “deals” online.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) issued the warning as thousands of learner drivers prepare to pass their test amid a backlog of tests due to the coronavirus pandemic. Scams include “ghost broking”, where fraudsters pretend to be insurance brokers to sell unrealistically cheap and fake policies, often to younger drivers.

The IFB warned new drivers could be paying out hundreds of pounds on what in reality is nothing more than a photoshopped piece of paper.

The Bureau warned that scammers even use stolen personal information to take out policies which are then doctored before being sold on. .Stephen Dalton, head of intelligence and investigations at the IFB said in a statement online: “The last thing new drivers need right now is to risk losing their car for no insurance because they’ve been duped by a scammer on social media.

“Drivers must carry out basic checks to make sure they’re buying car insurance through a trusted provider, or they’ll be making a very expensive mistake. “I encourage anyone who’s seen evidence of an insurance scam to report it to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline online or on 0800 422 0421.”

Mark Magee, head of driver policy at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said: “As well as ensuring you have the skills, knowledge and understanding attitude to drive safely, having valid insurance is of the utmost importance when you drive on your own.

“Check to make sure insurance brokers are genuine before parting with your money.”

Victims will find they are uninsured when they come to claim for an accident which can lead to thousands of pounds in costs and even six points on their driving licence. They may also face court, where they might receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban. The IFB warned the scam could even affect job prospects if drivers are left with an uninsured driving conviction on their record. Tips to avoid bogus car insurance deals The IFB has shared tips to avoid bogus car insurance deals:

Avoid deals on social media or messaging apps and only purchase car insurance through reputable sellers. If buying through an insurance broker, check the seller is registered with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba). If buying directly through an insurer they should appear as a registered member of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). Checks can also be made to see if insurance advisers are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The IFB’s Cheatline can be contacted online or by phone on 0800 422 0421.

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£45,000 grants available to support community cohesion and growth

Charities and community groups in the South and South West of England are invited to apply for a share of £45,000 funding. Sovereign Housing Association, working with not-for-profit digital fundraising platform The Good Exchange, has grants available for community projects that focus on community cohesion and growth within three miles of its homes.

In Sovereign’s last round of community funding, All Yours Period Boxes received £1,759, which was used towards making and distributing period boxes to people who cannot afford or access sanitary products in the local area.

Caroline from All Yours Period Boxes, said: “The grant from Sovereign came just at the right time and was a lifeline when we headed into the summer holidays. “We have been supporting many families whose children are not able to access period products through school over the summer break but whose period has not taken a break with them.”

Rachel Peters, Community Development Officer at Sovereign, said: “It’s been wonderful to be able to support so many projects and it’s great that we can continue to support groups in the next round of funding. “We are looking forward to seeing lots of great projects focusing on growing after Covid and bringing communities back together again safely.” Julian May, Head of Collaborative Funding for The Good Exchange, added: “Last year, every £1 awarded by Sovereign drove an additional much-needed £4.82 from donations and funding partner grants on The Good Exchange. “That’s why I encourage any community, charity and voluntary groups operating within a Sovereign area that focus on community cohesion and growth to apply for funding. “I’d also invite any funders who are interested in a collaborative funding approach to grant-giving to get in touch.” Applications for the second round of funding can be submitted on Sovereign’s page on The Good Exchange from 1 September to 31 October 2021.

Start your application here: https://app. thegoodexchange.com/funders/10874/sovereign-housing-association