Fake Deals
What to Watch For Common Pitfalls and How Silverstone Leasing Protects You
"If it's too good to be true, it probably is."
The UK car leasing market offers a wealth of great deals from reputable brokers, but sadly, it also has its share of fake and misleading offers. With leasing becoming more popular for both personal and business customers, more companies are advertising lease deals online. While many are genuine, some are not. It is more important than ever that customers learn how to identify fake offers and avoid common pitfalls.
The UK car leasing market offers a wealth of great deals from reputable brokers, but sadly, it also has its share of fake and misleading offers. With leasing becoming more popular for both personal and business customers, more companies are advertising lease deals online. While many are genuine, some are not. It is more important than ever that customers learn how to identify fake offers and avoid common pitfalls.
At Silverstone Leasing, we are passionate about transparency, fairness, and protecting our customers. In this guide, we will help you recognise the signs of fake leasing offers, explain the risks and pitfalls, and show what we do as a business to keep our customers safe.
Fact #1: More than 50% of UK car leasing customers now search for deals online, which has led to an increase in fake or misleading offers targeting digital shoppers.
What Are Fake Car Leasing Offers?
Fake or misleading leasing offers are promotions that are not genuine, either because the price is false, the vehicle is not available, or essential costs and conditions are hidden. Sometimes these offers come from outright fraudsters with no intention of supplying a car. In other cases, they are used to lure you in, only to inform you later that the offer is unavailable and pressure you into a more expensive deal.
These offers are a growing problem because they waste customers' time, mislead people about what is affordable, and sometimes result in real financial loss. It is very frustrating to think you have found a great deal only to be let down or worse, lose your money.
Silverstone, a name you can trust.
Silverstone Leasing is a trusted broker because we put customer service and transparency at the heart of everything we do. As a multi-award-winning and BVRLA-accredited broker, we adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring honest advice, clear pricing, and no hidden fees. With years of experience, strong relationships with major funders, and access to a vast network of dealers, we offer our customers market-leading lease deals backed by personal service. Our team is dedicated to making leasing simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs, which is why many of our customers return to us time and again.
Why This Is Happening in the UK?
As leasing has grown in popularity and more people now shop for cars online, the competition for attention is fierce. Some brokers and websites have started using unrealistic headline offers to grab attention on comparison sites such as Leasing.com or search engines.
At the same time, not every company advertising lease deals is properly regulated or part of an industry body. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) works hard to raise standards, but the market still has its weak points. This is why customers must remain vigilant and cautious.
How to Recognise a Fake or Misleading Lease Offer.
One common sign of a fake offer is pricing that looks far too good compared to the rest of the market. If every reputable broker is quoting four hundred pounds per month for a certain model and one site advertises it at two hundred and fifty pounds you should be very cautious.
Legitimate brokers always display proper contact information including an office address a phone number and an FCA registration. If this information is missing or looks vague that is another warning sign.
Reputable leasing brokers will also have online reviews from real customers on platforms such as Google or Trustpilot. If you cannot find any reviews or the ones you do see appear fake this should raise concerns.
Pay attention also to the quality of the website itself. Many fake sites are rushed with spelling errors no proper terms and conditions and broken links. If the site looks unprofessional, do not trust it.
Being a member of the BVRLA is another mark of trust. If a broker is not a member you should proceed carefully. Membership means the company has committed to follow industry standards and undergo independent checks.
A trustworthy broker will always disclose all fees clearly before you sign anything. If admin fees delivery charges or other costs are hidden or not mentioned that is not a good sign.
Finally be very wary if you are asked to make unusual payments such as sending money by bank transfer to an unfamiliar account. Reputable brokers never ask for this and all payments should be processed securely.
Fact #2: Silverstone Leasing conducts weekly mystery shopping checks on its competitors when flagged, ensuring all information is accurate, clear, and compliant.
The Risks and Pitfalls of Fake Offers.
Getting caught by a fake leasing offer can have serious consequences. Many victims end up losing their deposit as the fraudsters vanish after taking payment. In other cases, the car is never delivered at all.
Sometimes people fall for a bait-and-switch tactic. You enquire about the cheap deal only to be told it is unavailable and then pressured into a more expensive offer.
Submitting personal details to a rogue broker can also lead to problems with your credit report if they start submitting multiple finance applications without your permission.
Worse still, some fraudsters use fake lease offers to collect personal information for identity theft, which can cause long-term damage.
What Silverstone Leasing Does to Protect Customers.
At Silverstone Leasing, we are committed to doing things the right way. We are a member of the BVRLA, which means we follow strict guidelines on advertising and customer service. We are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, so you can trust that we follow all required rules on fairness and transparency.
All of our advertised prices are clear and honest. We never promote offers that we cannot deliver. The monthly payment contract length, mileage, and any fees are clearly shown so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
Our communication with customers is always open and transparent. You will always know exactly what you are signing up for and what the next steps will be.
Our team is comprised of experienced professionals who care about providing genuine advice and excellent service. We never use pressure tactics or misleading promises.
Finally, your personal information is always handled securely. Any finance application is processed correctly, and we never share your details inappropriately.
How Can You Stay Safe When Leasing?
The best way to avoid fake offers is to deal with a reputable, trusted broker. Always compare prices between well-known firms and check the company's credentials.
Look for BVRLA membership, FCA registration, and proper contact details. Read genuine customer reviews, NOT JUST THE 5-STAR BUT ALSO THE 1 & 2-STAR REVIEWS and trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
Take your time. Do not rush into signing anything, especially if you are being pressured with so-called limited-time offers. Ask questions and make sure you understand all costs and terms.
Never pay money by bank transfer to a personal account. A trustworthy broker will always use secure, regulated payment methods.
Fact #3: Submitting personal information to an unregulated broker can lead to credit issues, multiple unwanted credit searches, and even identity theft.
Fake and misleading car leasing offers are a sadly prevalent reality in the online market today. But with some knowledge and the right broker partner, you can easily protect yourself and lease with confidence.
At Silverstone Leasing, we take great pride in offering fair, honest deals with no surprises. We combine industry best practices with our own internal weekly mystery shopping to ensure you always receive the correct information and the best possible service.
If you're considering leasing and need advice, you can trust our team, which will be happy to help. Speak to us today and discover why so many customers choose Silverstone Leasing year after year.
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At Silverstone Leasing, we believe the best way to understand the quality of our service is to hear directly from the people who matter most – our customers. In these short video testimonials, you’ll see real experiences from individuals and businesses who’ve leased with us. From first-time drivers to fleet managers, their stories highlight the care, transparency, and expertise that set us apart.
FAQs: Fake Leasing Deals
Leasing a car is not for everyone; there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, you never actually own the vehicle, so if you want to build up ownership equity, leasing is not the best option. Monthly payments can sometimes be higher than those for financing a used car. You will also need to stick to an agreed mileage limit. If you exceed this, you will incur excess mileage charges. Another consideration is wear and tear. The car must be returned in good condition; otherwise, you may be charged for any damage.
There is often less room to haggle in leasing than when buying a car outright. Leasing deals are typically based on fixed terms established by the funder, which are influenced by factors such as vehicle cost, residual value, and market rates. However, you can sometimes negotiate on aspects such as upfront payments, optional extras, or even finding a better offer from another funder. It is beneficial to work with a reputable broker who has access to multiple funders and deals.
Some of the main pitfalls of car leasing include potential fees for exceeding your mileage allowance or charges for damage beyond fair wear and tear. Leasing also means committing to a fixed contract term, so if your circumstances change, it can be costly to end the lease early. Another thing to be aware of is that you will not own the car at the end of the lease. If you wish to keep it, there is no option to purchase it unless the lease explicitly offers this as an option.
In most leases, the initial payment is not a traditional deposit; it is an advance rental. This payment is part of the overall lease cost and is used to reduce your monthly expenses. Because it is not a refundable deposit, you do not get this payment back at the end of the lease. If you look after the car and stay within your contract terms, there should be no additional costs beyond standard charges for excess mileage or damage at the end of the contract.
