Learner drivers targeted on social media
Learner drivers have been warned to watch out for fraudsters on social media advertising fake driving lessons and tests.
Analysis by TSB Bank has identified a sharp rise in fraudsters targeting learning drivers on social media platforms, with instances up 211% from January to August.
Average losses
It also found that learner drivers who become of victim of this type of fraud suffer average losses of £244.
TSB found that almost every recorded scam was carried out via a social media platform, with Facebook accounting for over half (56%) of all driving lesson and test fraud losses, followed by Instagram (nine per cent), Snapchat (nine per cent), TikTok (eight per cent), and WhatsApp (eight per cent).
Fake DVSA websites have also been created as part of the scam, with several customers paying £350 for a test after being contacted with the offer on WhatsApp, only to be blocked once the payment was made.
Driving tests
The situation is being exacerbated by the long delays driving tests, with many young drivers having to wait more than six months for a test. DVSA figures revealed that 603,352 future practical driving tests were booked in the first four months of the year, up 16% on the same period in 20024, while the number of tests actually carried out was down by 15% year-on-year.
Alex Robinson, head of fraud analytics, TSB, said: “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.”
