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Safer Internet Day: spotting and avoiding insurance scams online

Published on: February 10, 2026

By QMT Commercial – helping you stay safe in a digital world

Every Safer Internet Day, we’re reminded that the online world makes life easier – but it also brings new risks. For insurance customers, the rise of digital scams means everyone needs to be cyber-savvy before clicking, buying or sharing personal information.

At QMT Commercial, we believe a safe online experience starts with awareness – especially when arranging something as important as insurance.

Why online insurance fraud is a growing concern

The UK insurance industry is seeing a significant uptick in fraud that starts – or even only exists – online:

Ghost broking scams – where fraudsters pose as legitimate brokers online to sell fake or invalid policies – have surged in recent years, with activity up more than 50 % between 2022 and 2024. [1]
A recent survey found that nearly 30 % of young UK drivers have bought insurance via social media, often only realising after being stopped by police or making a claim that their cover was worthless. [2]
Victims of these scams can lose on average around £2,000 – and still face legal penalties for driving without valid insurance. [3]
Research from the Association of British Insurers shows 81 % of people were unaware of common online insurance scam tactics, such as spoof adverts that look legitimate but aren’t. [4]

These figures show that fraudsters are exploiting how we search for and buy insurance online – if you don’t know what to look for, you might not realise you’re at risk until it’s too late.

Common online insurance scams to watch for

1. Ghost brokers

These are fraudsters who pose as insurance intermediaries – often through:

Social media ads and direct messages
WhatsApp and private messaging apps
Websites that mimic real brokers or insurers

They might:

Forge policy documents
Falsify information to secure cheaper cover
Or take out a genuine policy and cancel it secretly

Either way, you can end up uninsured without knowing it. [5]

Red flags include:

Offers that look too cheap compared with market rates
No legitimate website, landline number or FCA details
Communication only via social media or private chat apps

2. Spoofed websites and fake ads

Fraudsters also create websites or search ads that look official but are designed to collect your personal data or payments. These spoof sites might:

Appear at the top of search engine results
Use names, logos or branding similar to real insurers
Look nearly identical to the genuine site

Once you enter your details, they can be used for fraud or sold on the dark web. [6]

This type of scam is especially dangerous because it targets people after an accident, when urgency and stress make them less cautious.

How to stay safe online – our top tips

1. Verify before you buy

Always check:

The broker is on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register
Membership of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA)
That the insurer is listed with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)

If in doubt, call the insurer directly on a number from their official website – not one given in a pop-up ad or social media DM.

2. Don’t be lured by “too good to be true” prices

If a quote is far below typical market costs, it probably isn’t legitimate. Fraudsters use low pricing to hook customers quickly before they can check credentials. [4]

3. Beware of unusual contact channels

Real insurance brokers and companies won’t insist on:

WhatsApp or mobile-only contact
Messages through Instagram or TikTok
Payments via bank transfer or untraceable methods

If these appear, pause and verify.

4. Report suspicious activity

If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam:

Report to Action Fraud or Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) CheatLine
Contact your insurer or broker to check your policy status
Don’t click links or share details until you’re sure the site is legitimate

Closing thoughts

The internet has transformed how we compare, buy and manage insurance – but it’s also given fraudsters new tools to deceive us. On this Safer Internet Day, we want every QMT Commercial customer to stay informed and empowered online.

Here at QMT Commercial, we’re committed to helping you find the right insurance – not fake deals or risky shortcuts. If you ever have questions about an online offer, or need help validating a quote, reach out. We’re here to help you make safe, secure decisions for your insurance needs.

Stay safe online. Verify before you trust. And when in doubt – ask a trusted broker.

Sources: