Fraudsters targeting learner drivers for tests | Tech News

Learner drivers have been urged to remain alert as TSB Bank reported a dramatic surge in scams targeting driving classes and tests. The evaluation revealed that between January and August this 12 months, clients misplaced 211% more to those fraudsters in comparison with the earlier 12 months.

On average, llearner drivers who fell sufferer to those rip-off makes an attempt misplaced £244, in response to the bank. One sufferer paid £500 upfront for 20 classes that by no means materialised.

Alex Robinson, head of fraud analytics at TSB, mentioned: “Fraudsters have really upped their attempts to target learner drivers – with offers of driving lessons and fast-tracked tests that simply don’t exist. Almost all of these scams start from social media platforms – so we’d advise only paying for a service if you can verify it first, and stick to official routes when booking your exam. Don’t let a fraudster put the brakes on learning to drive.”

The scams embrace presents of a ‘fast-track’ take a look at to bypass the backlogs of driving tests on the DVLA. Fake classes and even bogus DVSA web sites have additionally been established to trick learner drivers into handing over their hard-earned money.

A DVSA spokesperson instructed PA: “TSB’s data shows that there is a serious and growing problem with this type of fraud. These accounts and sites are recognised scams that attempt to obtain payment or personal information and are not connected to DVSA.

“We take all allegations about take a look at fraud extraordinarily severely and absolutely examine experiences of any people who attempt to avoid the testing course of. We urge people to report any suspicious social media accounts offering driving companies to the related social media community.”

TSB disclosed that one customer nearly fell victim to a scam, almost losing £100 after responding to a post promising a fast-tracked driving test. The bank managed to block the payment, confirming it was a fraudulent attempt.

To keep learner drivers ahead of these fraudsters, TSB experts have suggested three crucial checks before parting with money for any services related to driving lessons and tests. These include verifying the seller and service, and resisting the temptation to try unofficial routes and methods to obtain a licence out of desperation.

The experts pointed out some common phrases used by fraudsters in these scams, such as “fast-tracked” tests. They warned that these messages would possibly even declare to be from official organisations.

Lastly, they burdened the significance of double-checking that learners are utilizing an official web site. In this digital age, rip-off web sites can seem very convincing.

Both the Bank and DVSA are advising learners to solely pay for verified companies by way of official channels.