ISLANDERS have fallen victim to a social-media scam offering four-digit Jersey registration plates for sale, prompting a warning from Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS).
The scammer attempts to make their listing look legitimate by including images of the DVS online vehicle enquiry service in the advert.
When the victim expresses interest, the scammer then asks for a monetary deposit. After the victim parts with their money, the scammer stops replying.
Islanders are advised to always meet the registered owner in person and view the vehicle before buying. They should also request to see the original vehicle registration document.
Inspector of Motor Traffic, Gordon Forrest said: ‘We have been made aware of a current scam on social media where scammers are offering Jersey registration marks for sale to which they have no right.
‘The scammer appears to be trying to legitimise the advert by using images of our online vehicle enquiry service, as well as other mock-ups of the registration mark.
‘Some islanders have been asked to pay a deposit, only to find that they have fallen victim to the scam.’
DVS is urging Islanders to be vigilant, not to part with any money upfront, and to check the credentials of the person they are dealing with.
Only the Inspector of Motor Traffic can sell ‘the right to display’ a registration mark and this is done either at the DVS annual auction or through the online service.
