Stay Safe Online – Reporting Fake Ads on Facebook and Instagram
The new Online Safety Act became law in October 2023; under the new legislation, online platforms such as Facebook, Google and Instagram are legally obliged to remove harmful content – including scams. To report fraudulent content on Facebook or Instagram, select the three dots and click ‘report’.
Which? has used this new legislation to report a series of dubious ads posted by ‘UK Theory test driver’s license DVLA’ claiming to offer a ‘registered driving license’ without a test in ‘just a few working days’. The advert claims to offer a licence for learner drivers who have failed their theory and practical tests many times. Note the spelling ‘license’ which is the American spelling for the noun – a clue that this is not a real DVLA UK driving licence!
When Which? contacted the Facebook page behind the advert and asked them how to acquire a driving licence, they replied: ‘To clarify, our full license package includes both the theory and practical test certificates. We have a direct system registration process, so there are no exams or tests required. Once we update your information in the DVLA system, your license or permit will be printed and sent to your address within 4 to 5 days. Our licenses are registered and checked by the DVLA system, ensuring their authenticity. And it will cost £600.’ When contacted, other advertisers said that, as well as providing a driver’s licence without sitting the driving tests, they could also remove licence bans and points.
Which? reported the ads to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, who said: ‘We do not allow fraudulent activity on our platforms, including the selling of forged documents. When we identify this kind of activity, we take action – removing content and, as with this case, disabling accounts as necessary.’
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues driving licences. Those learning to drive will need to apply for a provisional licence before they start driving lessons or book a theory test. Driving licences should be applied for and renewed on the Gov.uk website. Third-party services do exist, but you will end up paying more and you could end up using a dodgy service.
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) is responsible for booking driving tests. https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test – you can book a test up to 24 weeks in advance, there is no waiting list or cancellation list.
If you are nearly 70, you should receive a D46P application form through the post and be able to renew your licence for free. This can also be done online.
If you have been affected by a scam – help is out there – Victim Support has a free confidential helpline 0808 168 9111 and so does Mind 0300 123 3393.
Report any scams to www.actionfraud.police.uk Sign up for Which? Scam alerts: https://campaigns.which.co.uk/scam-alert-service/ Find details of recent scams here: www.actionfraud.police.uk
Published in the March edition of the Whitchurch Gossip
and the March edition of Oswestry Life
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