New Motability Scheme payment warning to people on PIP, ADP or other disability benefits
The latest figures from the charity behind the life-changing Motability Scheme show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland. The Motability Scheme, or Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme as it is now known for those in Scotland on Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), offers an affordable way for disabled people to get around outside more easily.
However, the charity is urging all new and existing users not to fall for callous crooks trying to con them out of money by contacting them by phone, email or text message, asking for bank details or payments for their leased vehicle, scooter, or electric powered wheelchair.
The Motability Scheme said: 'We will never ask for your bank details for refunds or payments over the phone. If you're in doubt, hang up and contact us directly on 0300 456 4566.'
It's important for all disability benefit claimants to remember that monthly payments to the Motability Scheme for your leased product are paid directly from your benefit issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Social Security Scotland to the Motability Scheme - you never need to pay it separately, or directly to the charity.
To help all users stay safe, the charity has shared some key things to remember when anyone contacts you saying that they are from the Motability Scheme.
Making a payment to the Scheme
Motability explained: 'If you're expecting a payment from us we will not call you to confirm your bank or payment details over the phone. If someone calls you asking for this information, do not give it to them.
'If we send you a payment by mistake, we might contact you to let you know the cheque has been stopped and to destroy it.'
Making a payment to your dealer
Motability said: 'Your dealer might call you to ask for payment towards your Advance Payment or extras you added.
'If you're not sure about the call, hang up and call your dealer directly to check before you share any details.'
How to spot a phone, email or text scam
These are the three most common types of scam, which can catch even the savviest of people out. Motability is urging everyone to familiarise themselves with practices criminals can use to trust and access your personal and financial information.
Email - phishing scam
These are designed to steal your identity by 'phishing' for information. They usually look like they're from a real company and ask you to click on a link. Watch out for spelling mistakes, bad grammar and different fonts to spot these.
Text message - smishing scam
These scams usually ask you to give personal information such as a password or account number. Some will claim to have noticed unusual activity in your bank account and others can be fake delivery tracking links. These usually come from unknown numbers.
Phone calls - vishing scam
A scammer will call you pretending to be from a trusted company. They might say you've been a victim of fraud and ask for personal details such as your password or account number - you should never give this information to someone over the phone.
Motability added: 'Knowing about scams and what they look like is a good first step to keep safe from them. These ten tips will help you feel more prepared in spotting and avoiding scams.'
A full guide to spotting scams can be found on the Motability Scheme website here.
Below is a quick guide on the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme and how to swap all or part of your mobility payment to lease a vehicle.
How the new scheme works
Social Security Scotland guidelines state: 'When you lease a vehicle through the scheme, it will be with our authorised provider, Motability Operations Ltd.'
Social Security Scotland will help you pay the lease using all or part of either:
the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
Applying to lease a vehicle for yourself
You can apply to lease a vehicle yourself if you meet all of the following:
You get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
You are 16 or over
You are able to manage your own payments
Applying to lease a vehicle on someone's behalf
Social Security Scotland also advises that you may be able to apply to lease a vehicle on behalf of someone else.
This might be an option if you're either:
How to apply
To apply to lease a vehicle using the scheme, go to the Motability website where you can:
Choose a vehicle
Find a dealership
When visiting a dealership, you need to present your certificate of entitlement. Social Security Scotland states that you will find this included in your decision award letter.
Find out more about Adult Disability Payment and leasing an accessible vehicle on the mygov.scot website here.
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