Driving test waiting times have recently hit crisis heights across Great Britain, with an average of over 22 week wait time. In London too, it’s worse, with some drivers waiting as long as 24 weeks. Due to this historic delay, there has been an unprecedented opportunity for fraudsters. Now they are peddling these same illegal shortcuts to desperate, hopeful learners willing to shell out thousands of dollars for a driver’s license.
Fraudulent schemes have arisen, taking advantage of the frustrations of people who are trying to get their driving licences. Scammers are preying on drivers stuck in an emergency detour. They’ve been charging £740 for an automatic driving license and £850 for a manual license. Indeed, recent reports estimate that scam operations on social media platforms are thriving this year. In particular, fraudsters are misrepresenting that they have inside connections with state or federal government testing and licensing agencies.
The Cost of a Fake Licence
Fixes are coming, as always, but the price to pay for the charming magic wand promise is high. It takes about £500 to get a fake driving licence, with £200 payable in advance. Once the fake document comes through, an additional £300 is payable. Fraudsters lure unsuspecting buyers with the promise of phony licenses delivered within four days. This deal lures people who are willing to pay to avoid the lengthy wait times of real driving tests.
In order to carry out their designs, these malicious actors ask for personal data from unwitting victims. For this you’ll have to upload a screenshot of your provisional licence. We’re going to require you to self-assess your own driving skills, medical conditions, and point history on your existing licence. These tactics are designed to build a veneer of legitimacy around criminal activity to obtain sensitive information from unsuspecting victims.
Authorities Respond to Rising Scams
UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recently warned drivers about these scams. Similarly, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has sounded the alarm. A spokesperson for the DVLA stated, “These accounts are not connected to DVLA and are recognised scams that attempt to obtain payment or personal information.”
Similarly, a representative from the DVSA remarked, “These accounts are not connected to DVSA and are recognised scams that attempt to obtain payment or personal information.” Both agencies emphasize that they do not endorse or participate in any of the practices being promoted by these fraudsters.
Social media platforms have begun to crack down on such scams. A TikTok spokesperson commented, “Our community guidelines are clear that we do not allow the trade or marketing of regulated, prohibited, or high-risk goods and services, nor do we allow attempts to defraud or scam members of our community.” Unsurprisingly, this underscores the continuous pressure to police and filter content that may manipulate, deceive, or otherwise take advantage of the user.
Legal Consequences of Fraudulent Licences
Those who participate in the sale or distribution of fraudulent driving licences, particularly through the online black market, can expect dire criminal consequences. Individuals found guilty of possessing fake papers would be punished with up to a decade’s jail time. This sad situation underscores the risks of future efforts to circumvent the traditional process to get a driving license. That’s an important and powerful reminder that shortcuts come with significant costs.
Waiting times for driving tests are increasing. The authorities, along with the National Crime Agency, warn all of us to remain vigilant and not fall prey to these scams. Obtaining a driving license through the legal route requires time. We promise you that it’s the safest and most reliable decision you could possibly make.