Young drivers in the UK are being warned of potential fines up to £5,000 due to a surge in fake car insurance scams, as highlighted by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Research shows that nearly 49% of motorists aged 17 to 25 have purchased insurance through platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, often falling victim to 'ghost brokers' offering seemingly legitimate but invalid policies. Alarmingly, 40% of these young drivers express uncertainty in spotting fake insurance. The FCA emphasizes that driving without valid insurance is a criminal offense, which can result in fixed penalties, points on a license, and even disqualification from driving. The rise in ghost broking is attributed to financial pressures, with one in seven young drivers struggling to afford insurance. The FCA is collaborating with social media influencers to raise awareness about these scams, advising motorists to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and to verify insurance providers using the FCA’s Firm Checker tool.