Trading Standards warning on Fraud MOT certificates

Kent Trading Standards are warning consumers NOT to rely on the printed version of the new-style MoT certificates when buying cars after a 38 year old man was arrested by Cleveland Police on suspicion of forging MoT test certificates with intent to deceive.

There is also the possibility that unscrupulous traders, and service repair outlets, could agree to MoT a vehicle and charge accordingly without having carried out the test at all.

The new-style MoT test certificates can be fraudulently reproduced and there is a lack of awareness about the fact that paper documents are no longer proof of existence of a valid MoT certificate.

When the new certificates were first implemented in October 2011 they were only intended to be a receipt for the MoT. The actual record and full details are stored online at the VOSA website, which can be accessed by going via the www.direct.gov.uk website. The consumer can check an MoT is valid using the serial number of the MoT certificate or the serial number of the V5.

To report any concerns you have or to obtain details of a Buy With Confidence trader call Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06. Or visit their website: www.adviceguide.org.uk Or visit the Buy With Confidence website: www.buywithconfidence.co.uk

You can also report a fraud and get advice about fraud by calling Action Fraud on 0300 1232040 or visit their website at: www.actionfraud.org.uk