Learner drivers warned about faux presents of assessments and driving classes

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Your assist makes all of the distinction. Learn extra Learner drivers are being warned about faux assessments and driving lesson presents, after a financial institution recorded a leap in individuals shedding cash to the scams.

TSB stated it recorded a 211% leap in whole fraud losses to any such fraud, following its evaluation of fraud circumstances associated to driving lesson and driving take a look at scams between January and August 2025, in contrast with the identical months in 2024.

The financial institution steered that driving take a look at backlogs may very well be serving to to gasoline scams as learners attempt to safe or fast-track a take a look at.

The typical loss for a scammed learner driver is £244, TSB stated.

One rip-off noticed somebody pay £500 for 20 classes up-front just for contact to dry up as soon as the fee was made.

One other buyer responded to a submit promising a fast-tracked driving take a look at and tried to pay £100, which TSB blocked and confirmed was fraudulent.

Pretend DVSA (Driver and Automobile Requirements Company) web sites have additionally been created, with a number of prospects paying for a take a look at, solely to be blocked as soon as the fee was made, the financial institution stated.

Alex Robinson, head of fraud analytics, TSB, stated: “Fraudsters have actually upped their makes an attempt to focus on learner drivers – with presents of driving classes and fast-tracked assessments that merely don’t exist.

“Virtually all of those scams begin from social media platforms – so we’d advise solely paying for a service if you happen to can confirm it first, and follow official routes when reserving your examination. Don’t let a fraudster put the brakes on studying to drive.”

A DVSA spokesperson stated: “TSB’s knowledge exhibits that there's a severe and rising downside with any such fraud.

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“These accounts and websites are recognised scams that try to get hold of fee or private data and will not be related to DVSA.

“We take all allegations about take a look at fraud extraordinarily severely and absolutely examine studies of any people who try to bypass the testing course of.

“We urge individuals to report any suspicious social media accounts providing driving companies to the related social media community.”

Listed here are some ideas from TSB for avoiding scams:

1. Confirm the vendor and repair earlier than exchanging funds and don't let desperation to get your licence push you into unofficial routes.

2. Standard messaging companies are getting used to focus on individuals with scams. Be careful for messages claiming to be from official organisations, or providing “fast-tracked” assessments.