Experiences to Lloyds of driving test-related scams have surged by practically 250% over the previous yr, the banking big has mentioned.
Lloyds has revealed the acquisition scams most reported to it in 2025, in addition to the fastest-growing frauds being reported by clients.
Driving classes and exams topped the listing when trying on the fastest-growing buy scams, with a 246% improve in studies to the financial institution between December 2024 and November 2025 in contrast with the identical interval a yr earlier.
It was adopted by scams which declare to offer visas or different official paperwork, which noticed a 114% rise in studies over the identical interval.
Driving classes and exams had been additionally the fifth most-reported buy rip-off to Lloyds this yr.
Autos and car equipment had been the most typical buy rip-off reported to the financial institution, adopted by ticket scams, garments and equipment, and private gadgets equivalent to fragrance and hair extensions.
Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, mentioned: “We alerted folks to driving lesson and take a look at scams earlier this yr, after we began to see studies climb.
“With excessive demand for classes and lengthy waits for exams, folks grew to become extra weak to falling for pretend posts on social media.
“At all times use a good teacher and be cautious of adverts on social media which can be suspiciously low-cost, or strain promoting with time-limited provides.”
She added: “We noticed a surge in ticket rip-off studies this yr, as demand for occasions like Glastonbury, the Oasis tour and main soccer fixtures had been sky excessive, main folks to hunt out hard-to-secure tickets the place they may.
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“Scammers then struck by way of dodgy social media posts, pretend web sites and on-line marketplaces.”
The comparisons of fraud studies from Lloyds Banking Group clients from December 2023 to November 2024, and from December 2024 to November 2025, additionally confirmed some kinds of buy scams fall.
There was a 38% fall in studies to Lloyds of scams regarding scorching tubs and a 39% fall in musical instrument rip-off studies, whereas studies of gaming console scams declined by 35%.
Ms Ziegler mentioned: “Scorching tubs and gaming consoles, for instance, grew to become extra in style in the course of the pandemic and, as purchases have fallen again, so have the scams.
“Nonetheless, we must always all stay vigilant when buying, sticking with well-knownretailers and avoiding the temptation of suspiciously low-cost provides on social media.”
Taking a look at potential rip-off tendencies in 2026, she highlighted ticket scams, including: “As one of many prime issues we get fraud studies about, and with main occasions just like the Fifa World Cup and gigs from Calvin Harris and Robbie Williams developing, scammers will probably be out in pressure.
“Shopping for from authorised platforms is the one approach to assure a real ticket, and in case you’re approached on social media or requested to pay by financial institution switch, it’s very more likely to be a rip-off.
“I additionally need folks to watch out when on the lookout for assist on-line with official paperwork, like visas or passport purposes.”
She added: “At all times go to official Authorities web sites for assist with vital paperwork and by no means comply with hyperlinks in surprising emails or texts.”
