Supposedly broken the speed limit in France - is this a scam?

[SchadenfreudePersonified]

DH has received a very official communication stating that we were clocked breaking the speed limit in France, and demanding a fixed penalty of €90. The vehicle details are correct.

We haven't been to France, and it most certainly wasn't us or our car. t the date we supposedly broke the speed limit we were actually in Scotland.

There is an "appeal" available apparently, but it involves giving a lot of personal details on the form - if these are scammers it is an open invitation to just steal our identities and empty our bank accounts!

Has anyone had anything similar happen? and if so, how did you deal with it?

It's got me worried out of all proportion to what it is as I am extremely stressed at the moment and can't seem to calm myself down. I'd really appreciate a bit of advice, or even a hand-hold. (Sorry for being wussy)

If you read the image attached to my last post it is off the official site saying it has to be sent registered post bi didn't and so I had to pay the full fine if 360€

The other place you might get some help and advice, or where it might be worth raising the issue to warn others is the money saving expert site - they are good at this sort of stuff.

Thanks Wally

Good idea, wibbletooth. - I might try that - thanks.

@SchadenfreudePersonified just received the attached and google translate but if someone could translate better would be appreciated

There was an article in the papers yesterday about how record number of these are being issued by France now that we/they are members of some data sharing agreement so they can send the fines out to people abroad.

It also said that France are creating virtual licenses and virtual points for those virtual licenses so that if you speed /etc and you would get points on your license for that in France then you will accrue them against your name and once you have 12 you won’t be allowed to drive in France again (I assume until they have expired).

I know the op’s case is a bit different as she definitely wasn’t in France so it’s a scam - whether it’s the person sending the letter out or somebody using cloned plates in France. But particularly if it’s the latter the op needs to get it sorted to ensure that if she goes to France in the future she doesn’t get stung by nasty fines and/or a driving ban!

Plain language really can’t come soon enough in France!

@Autumnchill they're saying that they've received your correspondence and forwarded your case on to the relevant department, who will decide what happens next.

This is really weird, a friend in Liverpool got a French speeding ticket yesterday as well and he's not been here for 4 years.

If the Daily Mail are reading this thread, do an article on this and find out what's going on rather than concentrating on AIBU and who's shagging whom. You never shy away from a bit of French-bashing after all.

Well, we've heard nothing about the letter we sent - not even an acknowledgement.

Tried to inform the Action Fraud line - phone is on hold for hours and attempt to contact online a) take ages and b) everything just disappears ! - There must be a glitch/ fault either on their site or our computer.

So still waiting to see what comes of this. We haven't, and aren't, paying anything.

Just in case anyone has a similar problem and finds this thread.

We got a telephone call regarding our letter (French gentleman - what a voice - I could have melted into his arms . . . - but I digress)

He advised that we sent off proof in the form of a photo of our car, evidence that we were in the country (our Scottish holiday confirmation) and also credit card statements showing we were spending in Scotland if possible (plenty of those!) to the address on the form (which was genuine) and the form itself. It had to be sent registered post (or recorded delivery - I cannot remember which - it says on the form itself). We did not send any money.

Apparently this cloning plates lark is endemic. The only one who benefits is the Post Office as far as I can see, from all the recorded delivery charges!

We waited a long time - but just heard back yesterday that all penalties have been cancelled. We do have a responsibility to let the DVLA know, though, which DH is going to do..

Thank you everyone who responded, and especial thanks to the people who gave us the advice. It was a load off my mind - my anxiety levels are through the roof at the bestow times. I was envisaging ending my days in the Bastille.

That's excellent news! We've had nothing further at work but I await his call 😁

Ironically we were in France the other week and looking out for sneaky grey hidden cameras and right before Calais my husband said a camera flashed him. Currently waiting for ticket (and leasing company admin charges) to arrive 😡 his own stupid fault.

It's worth it for the call Autumnchill - voice of a continental angel