To mark Safer Internet Day, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is reminding people to be wary of scammers who are promoting bogus vehicle leasing deals online to extract money from unsuspecting customers.

The BVRLA first brought this issue to light in September 2018, having been alerted of a spate of online scams advertising vehicle leasing deals that require ‘No credit checks’, promote ‘No deposit’ and ask people to ‘Direct Message’ via text to get the deal.

BVRLA’s chief executive Gerry Keaney (pictured) said: “We are urging the public to exercise vigilance and think twice before responding to any adverts that offer leased vehicles with no credit checks as its likely to be a scam.

“These criminals are purposely targeting the vulnerable, scamming money from people who can least afford to lose it. 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.”

Customers who want to check whether a leasing broker is a genuine BVRLA member are advised to verify the registered business name on the BVRLA Member Directory. If the trading name differs from the registered name, this can be verified by contacting the BVRLA directly.