DRIVERS with poor credit scores are being warned not to fall for fake adverts for car leases on social media.

The deals offer vulnerable customers the chance to take out a policy for a car without a credit check or a deposit.

Motorists who take out a lease usually have to put down a huge upfront deposit as well as commit to making regular monthly payments.

Because cars leases are a type of credit, only customers with a good credit history are likely to pass the affordability checks.

But scammers are now trying to target drivers who don't meet the criteria via social media.

The dodgy accounts, which have been spotted on Instagram, ask potential victims to direct message the "firm" in order to take out the policy.

In reality, the deal doesn't exists and the contact information is likely to be controlled by scammers who will try to get you to hand over your hard earned cash.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), alongside Action Fraud, are warning motorists to be wary if they spot an ad offering a deal that looks too good to be true.

BVRLA boss Gerry Keaney said: "These criminals are purposely targeting the vulnerable, scamming money from people who can least afford to lose it.

"It’s deplorable. Their adverts can appear very convincing with some even posing as BVRLA members and citing membership numbers of legitimate members.

"We want to get the message out there that all legitimate leasing brokers adhere to Financial Conduct Authority rules and will carry out credit and affordability checks.

"Those who don't, will not be legitimate traders and could be out to scam you."

Customers can check whether a leasing broker is genuine by contacting BVRLA's Adam Holt on adam@bvrla.co.uk.

Conmen are also targeting victims of timeshare fraud with a second scam, which has already seen Brits conned out of £7million in seven months.

In addition, Brits are being warned to be aware of gift card fraud as new figures reveal that £6.5million was lost through the scam between April 1 2015 and March 31 2018.

One gentleman was told to buy £1,000 in iTunes gift cards by scammers impersonating HMRC.