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Home Headlines Surge in Social Media Scams: Private Number Plate Owners Beware
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Surge in Social Media Scams: Private Number Plate Owners Beware

by Jessica Weisman-Pitts
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Surge in Social Media Scams: Private Number Plate Owners Beware

SWANSEA, UK, 18th August 2023 – In the wake of an alarming increase in fraudulent cases involving personalised vehicle registrations, experts have sounded the alarm for motorists, advising them to exercise extreme caution when engaging in the purchase and sale of private plates on social media.

Plates4Less (part of VRM Swansea) has released a comprehensive guide designed to educate and protect motorists from falling victim to various cunning scams.

The company’s insights shed light on the three most prevalent fraudulent schemes that unsuspecting buyers and sellers should be vigilant against:

  1. An innocent buyer posts a “wanted” ad, and a scam artist enters the scene, making a tempting offer that lures the buyer into a private transaction. Tragically, the plate never materialises, leaving the buyer shortchanged.
  2. A fraudster masquerading as a genuine buyer convinces the seller to share their certificate of ownership upfront, prior to any payment. Once armed with the certificate, the scammer vanishes, leaving the seller empty-handed and the sale incomplete.
  3. Scammers list registration plates they do not legitimately own, often utilising someone else’s entitlement copy as fabricated proof of ownership and duping unsuspecting buyers into a sham deal.

Plates4Less, headquartered in Swansea, has carved a niche in facilitating the purchase and sale of private number plates across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Antony Clark, Marketing Manager at Plates4Less, expressed concern over the rampant spread of such scams: “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.”

The uptick in fraudulent cases can be attributed in part to changes in government protocols, allowing individuals with a valid certificate number to instantly assign a registration mark to their vehicle. This policy shift inadvertently exposes unsuspecting private plate owners to potential scams, as certificate images or compromised email accounts serve as tools for fraudulent activities.

Many victims of private number plate theft only become aware of the crime when they attempt to use their registration mark, discovering it has already been assigned to another vehicle.

To counteract these risks, Plates4Less has issued a set of proactive measures for private plate owners:

  • Refrain from sharing certificate images online.
  • Safeguard physical documentation and ensure its validity through biannual checks.
  • Routinely monitor email accounts for unauthorised access to DVLA online accounts housing plate details.
  • Select reputable channels for selling or valuing number plates, evaluating their credibility via third-party reviews.

Antony Clark reiterated the safety benefits of utilising trusted channels for secure transactions. He said: “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.”

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Jessica Weisman-Pitts

Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.