![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/urgent-warning-to-drivers-of-three-major-car-firms-you-could-lose-hundreds/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/car-parked-parking-lot-airport-847741143-1.jpg&description=BE AWARE Published : 10:58, 26 Sep 2023 Updated : 10:58, 26 Sep 2023 DRIVERS of cars made by three major firms have been given an urgent warning over scams that could cost them hundreds. Lloyds Bank has recorded a 74% rise in vehicle scam reports this year, leaving victims an average of £1,000 out of pocket. 1 Owners of cars from three major brands have been warned over the risk of fake ad scams Credit: Getty The bank is warning Ford , Audi and BMW owners of the risks of fraud as the big-name manufacturers' cars were found to be the most common targets. The Ford Fiesta was the most commonly reported model to be used in scams, usually concerning fake ads. German giants Audi and BMW rounded out the top three, with the latter's motorcycles another common subject of such crimes . Accessories like alloy wheels have been known to be used to take in unsuspecting motorists. Incidences of these scams rocketed by nearly three-quarters in the first six months of 2023. People aged between 25 and 34 were most likely to fall victim, especially to fake ads on social media . This sees crooks offer motors , parts or classic models online, with a picture of the genuine car included. When someone inquires about the motor, they will often ask for some form of deposit to reserve it. However, as soon as the customer pays up, the seller blocks them and even deactivates their profile as they take the money and run. There have even been reports of scammers sending buyers to a fake address only to find no car waiting there. Fortunately, Lloyds has shared some top tips to avoid being duped. These include refusing to part with money until you have viewed the car, checking the logbook to make sure the seller is legitimate and buying through verified dealers . They also advise using a debit or credit card as they offer protections against fraud. It comes after a major firm's EV was revealed as the most stolen in the UK. Meanwhile, one woman paid £20,000 for a dream Mercedes only to find it was "){kind=link}
DRIVERS of cars made by three major firms have been given an urgent warning over scams that could cost them hundreds.
Lloyds Bank has recorded a 74% rise in vehicle scam reports this year, leaving victims an average of £1,000 out of pocket.
The bank is warning Ford, Audi and BMW owners of the risks of fraud as the big-name manufacturers’ cars were found to be the most common targets.
The Ford Fiesta was the most commonly reported model to be used in scams, usually concerning fake ads.
German giants Audi and BMW rounded out the top three, with the latter’s motorcycles another common subject of such crimes.