Good afternoon, 

We have received a high number of reports from residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have been tricked into handing over hundreds of pounds for provisional driving licences, driving lessons and driving tests that do not exist.

Fake social media profiles are being set up by criminals who are taking advantage of the demand for driving lessons and the long waits for driving tests. 

For official advice about how to avoid all of the above, including a list of driving instructors who are approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DSVA) please visit: https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons

If this isn't relevant to you, please share it with someone who might be interested.

If you've been affected by a crime please contact Victim Care Hub for free, confidential support: Home - Hampshire Victim Care Hub (hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk) or phone 0808 178 1641

If you would like to report a crime anonymously please contact: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) or phone 0800 555 111

Hampshire Alerts is not a crime reporting portal – please do not report crime here.

If you realise you’ve been scammed and wish to report a fraud that has already happened, please report it to Action Fraud either phone 0300 123 2040 or online at: Action Fraud

If a crime is in progress, and/or you are in fear for yourself or someone else, and/or there is evidence in situ that could be damaged/destroyed, please phone 999 immediately. 

Otherwise, report online, or find out about other ways to report a crime at: Report a crime | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Thank you – Fraud Safeguarding Team