Scammers are using social media to advertise bogus vehicle leasing deals – including using fake BVRLA credentials.

BVRLA’s Gerry Keaney says legitimate leasing brokers will carry out credit and affordability checks

The ads are appearing on channels including Instagram and target those with poor credit ratings using taglines such as ‘No credit checks’ and ‘No deposit’, and asking people to ‘Direct Message’ via text to get the deal.

In response, the BVRLA is urging people to think twice before responding to the deal, including contacting the association direct to check whether a leasing broker is a genuine BVRLA member and avoiding deals run without credit checks.

BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney said: “These criminals are purposely targeting the vulnerable, scamming money from people who can least afford to lose it. It’s deplorable. Their adverts can appear very convincing with some even posing as BVRLA members and citing membership numbers of legitimate members.

“We want to get the message out there that all legitimate leasing brokers adhere to Financial Conduct Authority rules and will carry out credit and affordability checks. Those who don’t, will not be legitimate traders and could be out to scam you.”

The BVRLA has also reported the threat to the authorities and is considering other ways of increasing awareness of such cons.

If you come across this scam, report it to Action Fraud quoting the reference: NRC 1808 0249 5417