Latest news with #LeaseLoco
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists warned of 5 new driving scams costing Brits thousands
Fraudsters are using 5 new tactics to trick drivers out of money. Motorists are being warned to be aware of new scams targeting British drivers. Fraudsters are costing motorists thousands of pounds with five new key tactics. From tampered QR codes on parking meters to convincing fake DVLA messages - drivers are being urged stay vigilant or risk losing their hard-earned cash. In 2024, scam reports to the DVLA soared to nearly 20,000, prompting motoring experts at LeaseLoco to make drivers aware of how to spot suspicious activity and avoid being caught out. While younger drivers aged 25-34 are the most common victims of vehicle-related scams like used car fraud and bogus insurance deals, older motorists are increasingly being targeted too - with fraudsters preying on their uncertainty around online payments to issue fake parking fines. John Wilmot, CEO of car lease comparison website LeaseLoco, said: 'Unfortunately driving-related scams are really common and they work well for fraudsters because they can create a sense of urgency. 'A lot of these scams will urge you to quickly pay a fee to avoid facing bigger fines. When we see something like this we often rush to get the payment done rather than stopping and checking the legitimacy of the message or letter. 'The good news is there are ways to spot these scams which can prevent you from losing any money. 2025 scams driver should to be aware of QR codes on parking meters Scammers are placing QR code stickers onto parking meters in the hopes of tricking motorists to scan the QR code and 'pay' for their parking. To avoid being caught out, stick to using official car parking apps such as RingGo and PayByPhone. It's also worth noting that most councils won't use QR codes for payment, but will instead tend to provide a machine or stick to apps. DVLA messages Fake DVLA messages often state that your license needs updating or that your car tax has failed, forcing you to hand over sensitive information. It's important to remember that the DVLA will never ask for money or personal information via email or text. Never click on any links within these messages and only access the DVLA website through Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. PCN fines Scammers may send fake parking charge notices to your house by post, urging you to pay a fake parking charge before the fine increases. A real PCN notice will have the date, time and location of your alleged violation. If you're still unsure whether your letter is real or not you can contact the council's parking department to check if the fine is genuine. Used car sales Be wary of any car deals that look too good to be true on online marketplaces. In 2023, nearly half a million pounds was reported as lost to Facebook car scams. Scammers will often post a fake ad for a car at a very low price and ask people interested for an upfront payment via bank transfer. They avoid having anyone come and see the car in person by claiming to be abroad too. When purchasing a used car, never make a payment before seeing the car in person and check the vehicle history on the government website. Toll or congestion charge messages Drivers can receive messages claiming they owe money for crossing a toll or congestion zone followed by a 'pay now' link. Before opening any links, remember that any genuine toll notifications will come from or other verified operators such as TfL, M6 Toll and Dart Charge for Dartford Crossing.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Every driver in Britain warned of £5K fine THIS WEEKEND over common mistake – how to avoid penalty
BRITS are being warned that a simple driving mistake could cost them £5,000 over the weekend. The warning comes as the UK braces for a massive heatwave beginning today. 3 3 3 The Highway Code has determined what is appropriate on our roads, ever since it was first published in 1931. Rule 97 of the code states that motorists must be adequately prepared for their upcoming drive. This includes being dressed appropriately. In the summer months, millions of Brits swap their trainers for flip-flops but this could lead to you getting fined. Any shoe which could limit your ability to put pressure on the pedals breaks the code and leaves you liable for a hefty fine. If you are found to be 'driving without due care and attention', you face an on-the-spot £100 fine. Three points could also be added to your license. If the matter escalates to court, you could face fines of up to £5000. Speaking to the Express, John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco said: "It's easy to overlook how your choice of clothing or footwear can affect your driving, especially in hot weather, but even something as simple as a pair of flip-flops or a long skirt can reduce your control of a vehicle. "If this leads to an accident or you're stopped by police, you could face serious consequences. The Secret Behind Green Road Signs 🚦 'So we're urging all drivers to think practically before getting behind the wheel this spring and summer - your outfit shouldn't compromise your safety or anyone else's." The news comes after temperatures are set to soar over the week. The country is bracing for highs of 29C today, with the East of England likely facing the hottest temperatures. In some areas, meteorologists have forecast highs of 33C and have said the heatwave will continue through to the end of the week. A heatwave is when temperatures exceed thresholds in a certain area for over three days. Across the north and west of the UK, this is 25C and in the Home Counties and London it is 28C. Wearing flip-flops in cars Wearing flip-flops in the car isn't technically illegal, but it still could lead to you being fined. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that you must be adequately prepared to drive. This includes having enough petrol and wearing appropriate clothes. Wearing flip-flops can count as being inadequately prepared since it could interfere with your ability to use the pedals. That could lead to a £100 fine and 3 points on your license. If the case escalates to court, then the fine could rise to £5000.
South Wales Guardian
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
Does storing your car keys in a microwave prevent theft?
Usually, storing car keys in a kitchen may mean hanging them on a key holder or placing them in a dish. But a recent increase of motorists storing their car keys in a microwave has led to experts to express their concern. Yes, the trusty microwave has seen an increase in key storage overnight as it appears it's not only used for a quick re-heat of a midnight snack. Ofcom states that it's all down to the latest methods that crafty thieves are taking advantage of with keyless fobs. 'These keyless fobs use radio frequencies to communicate with your car, allowing it to unlock and start it when you have it in your possession,' Ofcom says. 'Sadly for car owners, thieves are sometimes able to use bits of tech that capture and amplify these frequencies in a way that helps them to gain access to your car. 'And if they can get near enough to the fob, for example by lurking close to your home or in your driveway, they can do this while it is inside your house – where you might think it's safe.' Because a microwave uses high-power radio waves to heat food, these can block the signal between your keys and car – but they're not the most ideal or safe solution. We spoke to experts from car leasing deals site LeaseLoco, who have been hearing about a rise in this peculiar trend. John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco, said: 'Thieves are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to keyless car theft. 'Many modern cars use radio frequency signals to communicate with key fobs, which means criminals can use relay devices to capture and amplify these signals - even when the key is inside your home - to unlock and steal your vehicle. 'While it's true that microwaves are designed to block electromagnetic signals, using one as a storage place for your car keys is far from practical - and potentially dangerous. 'Microwaves are not a safe or recommended alternative to a proper signal-blocking solution.' It's easily done – you're in a rush and accidentally catch the timer on your microwave, or worse still, microwave a ready meal with your keys already inside. Mr Wilmot continued: 'If you forget the keys are inside and accidentally turn it on, you risk seriously damaging the fob's delicate electronics. Recommended reading: How you could get a roadside fine amid new DVSA changes HMRC How is car tax changing on April 1 2025 for drivers? DVLA issues warning to anyone who passed their driving test before 2015 'That could mean short circuits, melted components, or total failure, and repairs or replacements can run into the hundreds. 'Worse still, microwaving a key fob introduces a real fire hazard. The metal components inside could spark, potentially causing smoke, flames, or even damage to your microwave and home. 'The safer, more reliable option is a purpose-made RFID-blocking pouch or Faraday box. These are specifically designed to block key signals and protect your car from relay theft, without the risk of frying your keys!'
Western Telegraph
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Western Telegraph
Does storing your car keys in a microwave prevent theft?
Usually, storing car keys in a kitchen may mean hanging them on a key holder or placing them in a dish. But a recent increase of motorists storing their car keys in a microwave has led to experts to express their concern. Yes, the trusty microwave has seen an increase in key storage overnight as it appears it's not only used for a quick re-heat of a midnight snack. Why do people store car keys in the microwave? Ofcom states that it's all down to the latest methods that crafty thieves are taking advantage of with keyless fobs. 'These keyless fobs use radio frequencies to communicate with your car, allowing it to unlock and start it when you have it in your possession,' Ofcom says. 'Sadly for car owners, thieves are sometimes able to use bits of tech that capture and amplify these frequencies in a way that helps them to gain access to your car. 'And if they can get near enough to the fob, for example by lurking close to your home or in your driveway, they can do this while it is inside your house – where you might think it's safe.' Does putting car keys in the microwave block signal? Because a microwave uses high-power radio waves to heat food, these can block the signal between your keys and car – but they're not the most ideal or safe solution. We spoke to experts from car leasing deals site LeaseLoco, who have been hearing about a rise in this peculiar trend. John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco, said: 'Thieves are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to keyless car theft. 'Many modern cars use radio frequency signals to communicate with key fobs, which means criminals can use relay devices to capture and amplify these signals - even when the key is inside your home - to unlock and steal your vehicle. 'While it's true that microwaves are designed to block electromagnetic signals, using one as a storage place for your car keys is far from practical - and potentially dangerous. 'Microwaves are not a safe or recommended alternative to a proper signal-blocking solution.' What happens if you accidentally microwave your car keys? It's easily done – you're in a rush and accidentally catch the timer on your microwave, or worse still, microwave a ready meal with your keys already inside. Mr Wilmot continued: 'If you forget the keys are inside and accidentally turn it on, you risk seriously damaging the fob's delicate electronics. Recommended reading: 'That could mean short circuits, melted components, or total failure, and repairs or replacements can run into the hundreds. 'Worse still, microwaving a key fob introduces a real fire hazard. The metal components inside could spark, potentially causing smoke, flames, or even damage to your microwave and home. 'The safer, more reliable option is a purpose-made RFID-blocking pouch or Faraday box. These are specifically designed to block key signals and protect your car from relay theft, without the risk of frying your keys!'
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Does storing your car keys in a microwave prevent theft?
Usually, storing car keys in a kitchen may mean hanging them on a key holder or placing them in a dish. But a recent increase of motorists storing their car keys in a microwave has led to experts to express their concern. Yes, the trusty microwave has seen an increase in key storage overnight as it appears it's not only used for a quick re-heat of a midnight snack. Why do people store car keys in the microwave? Ofcom states that it's all down to the latest methods that crafty thieves are taking advantage of with keyless fobs. 'These keyless fobs use radio frequencies to communicate with your car, allowing it to unlock and start it when you have it in your possession,' Ofcom says. 'Sadly for car owners, thieves are sometimes able to use bits of tech that capture and amplify these frequencies in a way that helps them to gain access to your car. 'And if they can get near enough to the fob, for example by lurking close to your home or in your driveway, they can do this while it is inside your house – where you might think it's safe.' Does putting car keys in the microwave block signal? Because a microwave uses high-power radio waves to heat food, these can block the signal between your keys and car – but they're not the most ideal or safe solution. We spoke to experts from car leasing deals site LeaseLoco, who have been hearing about a rise in this peculiar trend. John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco, said: 'Thieves are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to keyless car theft. 'Many modern cars use radio frequency signals to communicate with key fobs, which means criminals can use relay devices to capture and amplify these signals - even when the key is inside your home - to unlock and steal your vehicle. 'While it's true that microwaves are designed to block electromagnetic signals, using one as a storage place for your car keys is far from practical - and potentially dangerous. 'Microwaves are not a safe or recommended alternative to a proper signal-blocking solution.' What happens if you accidentally microwave your car keys? It's easily done – you're in a rush and accidentally catch the timer on your microwave, or worse still, microwave a ready meal with your keys already inside. Mr Wilmot continued: 'If you forget the keys are inside and accidentally turn it on, you risk seriously damaging the fob's delicate electronics. Recommended reading: 'That could mean short circuits, melted components, or total failure, and repairs or replacements can run into the hundreds. 'Worse still, microwaving a key fob introduces a real fire hazard. The metal components inside could spark, potentially causing smoke, flames, or even damage to your microwave and home. 'The safer, more reliable option is a purpose-made RFID-blocking pouch or Faraday box. These are specifically designed to block key signals and protect your car from relay theft, without the risk of frying your keys!'
