Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hard-up drivers are being tricked by ghost brokers into buying "cheap" car insurance which is actually worthless.
Not only do victims lose money, but they risk driving without insurance – a criminal offence.
Motor insurer LV= says it has identified more than 60 fraud rings operating the scam.
Vulnerable groups are targeted, such as migrant communities where people speak little English, and young drivers who pay higher premiums due to their age and lack of driving experience.
The rogue brokers advertise on free listings websites and promise to arrange cheap cover. Some even claim to work for well-known insurers to make the transaction seem genuine. But the policies they sell are far from genuine.
Some produce fake documentation to trick people into paying for non-existent policies. Others do take out a genuine policy but then cancel it and pocket the refund.
Giveaway signs that a broker is not what they say they are is that they tend to communicate with customers via free internet messaging rather than meeting face-to-face.
They also ask to be paid in cash or bank transfer, which should sound warning bells.
"Most reputable brokers will accept credit card payments," points out Vanessa Chance of LV=. "Drivers should be wary of anyone promising ridiculous discounts as it's almost certainly going to be too good to be true."
If you're worried, ask your insurer for full policy details and the repayment plan it has for you.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments