The DVLA have issued an important warning to drivers over the risk of identity theft.
Drivers could find themselves at risk of identity theft when trying to sell their cars. In the wake of the pandemic, many are choosing to sell their second-hand cars privately due to the soaring costs of new vehicles.
In order to make the sale, the owners need to provide their V5C log book. However, the DVLA warn that by posting this online, it can open them up to a massive risk of fraud and identity risk, as it contains personal information that scammers can use to commit crimes.
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As Birmingham Live reports, scammers can obtain your details and use them to access bank accounts and take out phone contracts. This could lead to the victim being left to pay out thousands of pounds to sort it out with a lengthy process.
According to the DVLA, drivers shouldn't "share photos of your V5C log book on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use them for identity theft."
V5C documents contain important information including the car's registration mark, the VIN number and document reference number. All of these are needed to make up a new licence plate. If a scammer has this to hand, they can go on to create cloned number plates.
Another common scam that happened to one driver recently involved a potential buyer for his car coming round to his house, taking his V5C details and using them to commit fraud.
One motorist on MoneySavingExpert said: "I listed my car on Autotrader just over a week ago, the first interested buyer that came to look at the car has somehow taken the reference number from the v5 and registered my car in a new name and address.
"I must admit, the man seemed nice and polite but I have been well and truly scammed."
Anyone who is the victim of a scam or aware of suspicious behaviour should inform Action Fraud and the DVLA.
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