MIB scam warning

12 July 2022 | David Young

The MIB is warning that scam calls are on the rise

MIB scam warning

Targets are being cold called by someone claiming to be from MIB or who says they got your information from the Motor Insurance Database (MID) - typical scams are:

  • Caller says they have been instructed by MIB to call you about your accident claim.
  • Asking for information about any motor accidents person called has been involved in.
  • They encourage the target to give false information to make a claim to MIB.
  • Trying to get personal data or banking details so that "your compensation" can be paid.

Who does MIB contact?

  • Individuals or their legal representatives who have submitted claims for an accident with an uninsured or untraced driver
  • A named defendant/third party in a claim
  • The registered keeper of a vehicle that does not appear to be insured according to the Motor Insurance Database (MID). MIB will send a warning letter that sets out the immediate action required to stay legal and avoid getting a Fixed Penalty Notice from the DVLA.

What does MIB not do?

  • Call any member of the public about claiming for motor accidents unless a claim has been made to MIB
  • Sell or give out the information held on the Motor Insurance Database to third parties for marketing purposes
  • Ask for banking details via the telephone
  • Hold email or telephone contact details on the Motor Insurance Database

Scam callers can use a process known as 'spoofing' to falsify their telephone number to make it appear as though their call is coming from MIB, for example by making the 'caller display' on recipient's telephone show MIB's telephone number. If anyone is in any way suspicious of a call from someone claiming to be from MIB, disconnect the call, allow five minutes for the line to be clear, or use a different line and contact MIB on one of our advertised numbers. The Bureau will be happy to let callers know whether or not the call was genuine.

To tackle scam calls MIB works with a number of organisations including the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to identify, limit and ultimately prevent scam calls. The ICO is aware of this increasing problem see ICO.

Report scam call details directly to the ICO.