Drivers are being warned not to fall victim to a car insurance scam.

Fraudsters are selling fake packages with forged documents to people looking to renew their policies, or taking out new ones.

Essex Police

The scam involves people, particularly young people aged between 17 and 24, being offered deals that are not genuine.

Suspects carry out the fraud by either giving you forged insurance documents, falsify your details to bring prices down or even taking out a genuine policy and cancelling soon after to claim a refund and your money.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Morton, head of Kent and Essex’s Serious Economic Crime Unit, said: “There are more severe consequences to the scam than just losing your hard earned money.

“By not having a valid car insurance, you could get points on your driving licence, your car seized and even destroyed, and you may receive a fixed penalty notice or be liable for claim costs following an accident.

“Scammers will target victims through social media, they may place adverts in newspapers or could cold call you. In some instances, the suspects have been recommended by friends and family who are unaware they have fallen for the scam.

“By taking some simple steps you can avoid becoming a victim of ghost broking.”

The campaign was launched by Action Fraud and City of London Police under the hashtag #SteerClearOfFraud.