I hope you will all agree that I am reasonable to warn you all about large scales active scamming in the UK regarding swapping driving tests.
I looked up Mumsnet to see any advice on what you should consider for the driving practical test as I learnt most things in life from Mumsnet. Someone in a thread mentioned getting an earlier date on Facebook swap groups.
I logged on early Monday morning- as advised on old threads- and booked a driving test with soonest date near me in December. I then looked up driving test swap groups on Facebook, saw there were a few, and joined.
I scanned through the Facebook groups, seeing many tests listed for locations and times all over the country, all 'available'. An admin post said to contact them on WhatsApp, giving a number. I went ahead and contacted them without much thought, it must be said. Their WhatsApp description said DVSA approved blah blah blah.
I stated my wish to have an earlier date and they replied, professionally (!) listing exact dates/ times 'available'. For an admin fee of £100 they would arrange the swap and I would get an email from DVSA within minutes. I foolishly sent the £100. They blocked me and had the Facebook group dismantled before I even knew it.
I have obviously reported to my bank (I obviously know the name and bank details they used), and the police.
Today I looked for this and other similar Facebook groups and tried adding my experience in one. My comment was immediately removed and I was removed from the group.
This seems to be quite a prolific scam network, actively setting up groups, WhatsApp numbers to arrange test swaps, and no doubt scamming many learner drivers every day.
I want to let as many people know about this as possible.
I also want anyone who looks up driving test advice on Mumsnet to see this thread so they may avoid being scammed by these organised criminals.