Rip-off copycat ads “running rife” online are fleecing Brits for services from driving licence renewal to visas and health cards that are free.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) was one of the most copied sites with motorists unwittingly landing on unofficial versions hammered by sky-high fees.
Those aged over 70-years-old renewing their licences were hit with a £50 charge for a service that is free through the DVLA, an investigation by consumer watchdog Which? found.
Ads that appeared to be above board demanded up to £100 for other motorists to renew their driving licences - seven times more than the real £14 fee.
The probe also revealed two websites were so strikingly similar to the official DVLA site, they were reported to the National Cyber Security Centre to have the plug pulled.
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Another dodgy site even claimed it could wipe a licence clean of a driving ban for £685, Which? said.
It has now been taken down after the watchdog reported it to the DVLA, Action Fraud and Trading Standards.
The research also found sites which appeared to be the official way of getting a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) were charging at least £30.
And doppelgangers for the UAE visa application site were conning Brits out of £136 for a two week visa which is free on arrival.
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The study found 18 sites conning cash out of victims for services which were free through official channels.
Which? said: “These copycat ads are paying for prime slots at the top of search engines - often appearing above the official website and with a similar web address. Consumers could click on these ads without realising they are not using the official website.”
It is now urging internet users to make sure they are on the correct site and is calling on search engines to clean up their acts and prevent misleading ads from appearing online.
Adam French, Which? consumer rights expert, said: “Copycat ads have been a problem for years so it is concerning to see them still appearing at the top of search results - often ahead of the official website - and charging unnecessary fees.
“Search engines must take more responsibility for the ads that appear and verify the business before misleading ads are published in the first place.
“In the meantime, unfortunately it is on us to keep an eye out for copycat ads. If trying to renew a driver’s licence, get a health card or apply for a visa, make sure you are using the official website so you aren’t left footing any unnecessary bills.”
A DVLA spokesperson said: “We regularly remind our customers that the only official place to find our services and information online is on GOV.UK. Only DVLA can renew a driving licence, and those applying for or renewing a licence online should only use GOV.UK, to ensure they are dealing with DVLA directly.
“Whilst the majority of government services are free on GOV.UK we’re aware that some third party sites charge a premium. Such sites are not affiliated with DVLA in any way.
“When we become aware of sites misleading motorists, we work closely with other government agencies and third parties to raise the issue. If we believe a website is operating outside the advertising guidelines we will inform the relevant enforcement and controlling bodies.”
Which? used Google and Bing to check websites and both search engines said they had strict policies on the type of ads and advertisers allowed on their platforms and took action against any found to be in breach of the rules.
